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V 



The Wonder Island Boys 

TREASURES OF THE ISLANDS 

ROGER T. FINLAY 


ILLUSTRATED 



THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY 
New York 



Copyright, 1915, by 
THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY 



MAR 27 1917 

©CI,A460042 


CONTENTS 

CHAPTER 

I. The Peculiar Signals Page 15 

The doleful sound. The Alma Perdidi. “Cry of the 
Lost Soul.” John, Uraso and Muro listening to the 
signals of the enemies. The night watch. Stalking. 
The answering cry. The Konotos. Sacrificial feasts. 
The dark of the moon. Its significance. The language 
of birds and animals. Their meaning. Discovery of 
cannibals. The telltale bone. Evidence of more than 
one tribe. Strange customs. Sacrifices of ancient times. 
Mexican rites. Superstitions. Previous history of the 
boys. V arney, Uraso and Muro. The Professor. The 
wreck and adventures. John’s search for records, and 
inscriptions. Mysterious happenings. Waiting for 
morning. The plan outlined. The days of the sacrifices. 
Determine to prevent the killing of captives. Discovery 
of the natives in vicinity. Investigating the hills. 

II. The Savages on the Hill Page 26 

I John’s instructions. John and Muro scouting. The na- 
tives intercepting Uraso. Preparing to resist the attack. 
The signaling instrument. A shot. A hurried report 
from the scout. Sending a messenger to Muro. The 
puzzled natives. Muro attacked. Marching east. Muro 
in danger. Making a demonstration. The weird drums 
The ambush. The approach of the natives. The attempt 
to be friendly. The Chief’s refusal. The appearance of 
Uraso. Uraso’s ruse. The savages confounded. Muro 
surrounded. His escape. The savages retreating. 
Muro’s story. Muro’s efforts to make friends of the 
natives. Driving them from the woods. The sea of the 
east. The runner to the landing. The peculiar drums. 
The 'Marimba. The mountain deer. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTEB 

III. Captube of the Village Page 38 

The trying time at night. No selfishness in education. 
The evening talks. Astronomy and early humanity. 
Savage rites determined and carried out by the signs of 
the stars. The Zodiac. Its origin. The universal super- 
stitions. A common origin. The continents. The theory 
of a mid-Atlantean continent. The theory of the joined 
continents. Language as a criterion of the unity of the 
races. The pyramids. The tales of the Egyptian priests. 
The deep sea soundings by the ship Challenger. The beat- 
ing of the weird drums in the night. Evidence of the na- 
t tives’ belief in witch doctors. The plan of advance out- 

lined by John. The boys, accompanied by John and 
portion of the force advancing. Nearing the village. 
Hearing the shouting and the drums. Causes of the 
demonstrations. A captive. At the edge of the village. 
A curious proceeding. A huge Chief. The witch doctors. 
Their fantastic garb. The Chief’s defiance. Demands re- 
turn of the captured Chief. Asks John to surrender. 
Commands the Korinos to destroy captive. They bring 
forward Tarra, their owm messenger. The warning. 
The shot. 

rV. Kescuing a White Captive Page 53 

Tarra freed. When captured. The fallen witch doc- 
tor. The surprise. The warning from Uraso. Exor- 
cising the bad spirits. The influence of noise on savage 
minds. The gun silencers. The savages insist on aiding 
their fallen witch doctor. The shot with the silencer. 
The awe produced. John the white Korino. The terror 
among the natives. The Chief retreats. Entering the 
village. The Chief and people flee. The reserves come 
up. The sick and wounded in the village. A prison 
stockade. Rescuing prisoners. Their terrible plight. 
A white captive. The stockade burned. Learning about 
the tribes on the island. The messenger to the Chief. 
The latter’s message. John’s bold march to see the 
Chief. Astounded at John’s bravery. John’s peace pact 


CHAPTER 


CONTENTS 


with the Chief. The return to the village. The Chief 
assured of the friendship of John and his people. 
Learning about the other tribe. One sun to the north. 
The Chief told why the white Chief was so powerful. 
Wisdom. John’s practical example to the Chief. 

V. Eetukn of the Natives Page 66 

Trinkets. Adornments for the natives. Gifts. The day 
appointed for the sacrifices. John and party invited by 
the Chief. John sends for the gifts. The Pioneer at the 
landing. Sails to the native village. The Korinos called 
before the Chief. He demands that they produce the cap- 
tives for sacrifice. The Korinos learn of the destruction 
of the stockade, and the release of the captives. The 
Chief condemns the Korinos to take their places. John 
secures delay. At the beach. The natives gathering 
clams for the feast. The Korinos and their caves. A 
sail. The boys spread the news. The signal. The na- 
tives wonder at the sight of the vessel. The Pioneer. 
The feast that night. Spitting meat. The natives’ cus- 
toms. Vegetables. The drink. Arialad. The value of 
the root. Ginseng. 

VI. The Savage Ceremonials Page 78 

The day for the ceremonies. The native cloth weaving. 
iDyeing. Black and red. The grotesque figures. The 
spears. The colored streamers. The covered points. 
The flag idea. A brilliant scheme by the boys. The 
band for the ceremonies. A procession. The ship’s band. 
The leader. The enthusiasm in the village. The danc- 
ing natives. Arranging the order of the procession. 
The tall man and huge spear. The Korinos. The band 
and the flag at the procession. The leader. The mag- 
nolia trees. The march to the forest. The great tree 
on the hill. The ceremony. Striking the tree. The 
flower at the top. How it was brought down. The rite 
of the flower. Incineration. The powder. The dance. 
Return of the procession. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER 

VII. Significance of Native Kites Page 88 

Fasting before the feast. Great success of the ceremony. 
The significance of the flower rites. Ancient origin of 
rites. Explaining customs which followed the practice 
of scalping. Head hunters. The hair token. The 
flower before the fruit. The Druids. The ceremonia of 
the mistletoe. The antidote. The oak as a sacred tree. 
The great feast after the ceremony. Table implements. 
The Korinos. Where they were imprisoned. Prepared 
for the sacrifice. Their attempted escape. Gluttony. 
Habits of savages in this respect. The siesta. The boys 
discover the escape of the Korinos. The Marmozets. 
The tall native with the knotted club. His remarkable 
garb. The Chief’s crown. The club-bearer reports the 
escape of the Korinos. The Chief’s anger. Arrests the 
guards. Condemns them to suffer instead of the Korinos. 
The procession to the place of sacrifice. The sacrificial 
altar. 

yill. Hypnotism on Savages Page 100 

John’s suggestion to the Chief. Asks that he be made 
the executioner. Uraso’s address to the culprits. Their 
terror. Mysticism. Hypnotic influences. Mesmerism. 
Constant repetitions. Mystic numbers. The spell on all 
the natives. The effect of the mesmeric influence on the 
Chief. The rigid subjects. John the peerless Korino. 
The threats against the witch doctors. Bringing the 
victims to life. Amazement of the people. The Chief’s 
address to his people. The return to the village. 
The feast. The mystic third. The dance at the end of 
the festival. To settle the fate of the Korinos. The re- 
covery of the faculties of the white captive. His story. 
The identity of the skeleton found on Venture Island. 
Identified mth Walter. The story which was doubted 
by John. The rescued natives. The Maloses. Ta 
Babeda. The tribe to the north. Distributing the gifts. 
The delight of the Chief. Telling him about the wonders 
of Wonder Island. The invitation to the Chief. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTEE 

IX. The Kemaekable Cave Exploeations Page 113 

The Umbolos, to the north. The supposed cannibals. 
Determine to visit them. Preparing for the expedition. 
Chief Ta Babeda cautions John against the cannibal 
Chief Kumisses. John requests permission to take the 
Korinos with him. He consents provided John will enter 
the cave and take them. The trip to the cave. The 
Chief accompanies John to the cave. Superstitions about 
the caves. Why no one but the Korinos dare enter the 
caves. The hill near the ocean. The cove near the en- 
trance of the cave. The flashlights. Lighting the cav- 
erns. Evidences of habitations. The escape of the 
Korinos. Following the trail. The outlet to the south. 
Tracked to the north. Oraso and Muro follow the fugi- 
tives. Their flight to the cannibal tribe. John and the 
boys return to explore the cave. A new series of cav- 
erns. A succession of four chambers. A large round 
chamber at the end of the lead. A mound in the center 
of the chamber. Kemoving the material in the mound. 
Discovery of the copper box. Peculiar character of the 
box. 

X. The Tribe to the North Page 125 

The copper box taken to the ship. News from Uraso and 
Muro. Explaining mesmerism and hypnotism. Concen- 
tration. The effect on susceptible minds. The Korinos 
safe with the cannibal tribe. John advises Stut to sail, 
north for twenty miles, and await their coming. The 
march. The cinnamon tree. Cinnamon suet. Minerals. 
Sulphates. Copper ores. Omens. All peoples believe in 
signs and omens. The shelter for the night. How sig- 
nals were made. Sighting the cannibal village. Earth- 
enware cooking utensils. Meet the flrst natives. The 
dreaded Chief. A curious figure. The hunchback. A 
smile on his face. The American greeting. The sur- 
prise. A white man. Finding the Korinos. The wel- 
come to his village. The Chief told about their ship. 
On the island fifty years. Telling John about the 


CONTENTS 

CHAPTER 

strange things which have floated ashore from wrecked 
ships. The Korinos assured of safety. 

XI. The Hunchback Chief Page 138 

The Chief’s house. The relics from the sea. The hunch- 
back Chief’s story. His trip as a whaler. Ill treatment. 
Runs away. Ships to China. His rudimentary educa- 
tion. Shipwrecked on the return from China. Rescued 
by native cannibals. Regard him with veneration. 
Misinterprets their motives. In desperation. Asserts 
himself. Becomes Chief of the tribe. Stops cannibal 
practices. His great influence over the people. The 
Pioneer arrives. Ephraim Wilmar, the hunchback. His 
surprise at the many changes during fifty years. His 
amazement at the telephone, the cable lines, the phono- 
graph. 

XII. The Chief’s Family Page 148 

Ephraim’s wife. The family. The gifts to Ephraim’s 
family. Delight at the cooking utensils. John tells 
Ephraim about the treasures on the islands. Hidden 
treasures. Learning the secrets of early humanity. 
Archeology. The trip to the cave. The long journey. 
The cave which had the entrances sealed by Ephraim. 
The peculiar kinds of masonry. Entering the cave. Dogs 
with the party. Mysterious death of the dogs. The 
alarm of the natives. Carbonic gas. Its nature, and 
how tested. Methods for removing it. The Humphrey 
Davy lamp. The principle on which it is made. De- 
signed to indicate the presence of deadly gases. Explo- 
sive mixtures. How a primitive safety lamp was made. 
Reentering the cave. A large chamber. The cross- 
shaped cave. A parchment. The object of John’s search. 

XIII. The Chart and the Caves Page 164 

The map accompanying the parchment. One of the 
Treasure caves. Remarkable carvings, and hieroglyphics. 
The quarrel of the buccaneers. The story of the 
Spaniard who wrote the chart. The expeditions search- 
ing for the treasure. Death of all who participated. 


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The scout from the rear now came in with a leap” 


[See p. 27] 



CHAPTER 


CONTENTS 


Great archeological wealth. No material treasures found. 
How Ephraim’s story affected the boys. John explains 
why the cannibals feared him. Due to their superstitions. 
Demented people regarded by some as saints. Genius and 
insanity. Further explorations of the island. The pro- 
posed trip to Wonder Island. Ephraim invited. He and 
his family accept. Telling Ephraim about Hutoton. 
The curious tales that were told them about the convict 
colony. The wonderful character of the people at Huto- 
ton. The Pioneer sails. The first time on the deck of a 
vessel for fifty-two years. Ephraim and the library. His 
conversation with the head of the convict colony. The 
identity of the paralyzed man not established. 

XIV. Rescue Island Page 175 

The visitors at Hutoton received with rejoicing. John 
invites the leader to accompany them to Wonder Island. 
Retlaw, the captive, rescued, brought ashore. Caramo 
thought he recognized him. Sailing of the Pioneer for 
Wonder Island. Calling at the Malolo village. Ta Ba- 
beda agrees to accompany them to Wonder Island. 
Naming the island Rescue. The latitude and longitude 
noted. Introducing Ta Babeda to the cannibal Chief 
Ephraim. He explains how the Korinos misrepresented 
him and his people. The new world to Babeda when he 
stepped on board the Pioneer. The trip to Wonder 
Island. The mysteries on board the ship to the Chief. 
His inquisitive nature. How he characterized electricity. 
Ephraim’s concern for his children. Approaching Enter- 
prise River. The steamship Wonder in sight. The greet- 
ing. Going up the river. The excitement in Unity. 
The crowded dock. Sutoto and his bride. The fiag on 
the Wonder. The curiosity of Beralsea at the sight of the 
Banners. 

XV. The Return to Wonder Island Page 187 

Sutoto and the great wide world. Their trip to Valpa- 
raiso. Cinda, and the latest fashions. Blakely, the man 
of business. The boys tell him of the wonderful islands. 
114 


CHAPTER 


CONTENTS 


His eagerness. He tells them of the great enterprises, 
and of the prospective new ship. The growth of Unity. 
The tribesmen coming in. Introducing Blakely to the 
Chiefs. They marvel at his energy. The Professor. John 
tells him about the copper box. The new hotel. The 
• wonderful work in Unity. Agricultural pursuits. What 
they shipped to the north. The plans for surveying the 
islands. How the lands were apportioned. Building 
homes on the island. Energy of the natives. Emigra- 
tion pouring in. Farm implements. Coffee tree plant- 
ing. Eaising cocoa. The schools. The Korinos as 
teachers. Explaining the trade problems to the Chief. 
Ephraim’s desire to have his children remain and attend 
school. The Chief also permits his children to remain. 
Information that the paralyzed man is getting well. 
What paralysis is. The triangle. The visit of the boys 
to Sutoto’s home. The new automobile. The surprise 
for the boys. 

XVI. The Savages at Unity Page 199 

Their new machines. Blakely’s treat for the boys. 
The Professor’s car. John in his runabout. The automo- 
bile procession. The Chief and the automobile. The cot- 
tage for the Chief’s family. The boys and the Professor 
review their work. The great pleasure in their enter- 
prises. George and Harry selected to manage affairs on 
Venture and Rescue Islands. The copper box. The skull 
in tlie package. The Professor announces the return of 
the reason of the paralytic. The word “triangle” an- 
nounced by the paralytic. Tbe remarkable coincidence. 
Opening the copper box. The triangle on the Walter let- 
ter. The skull within the copper box. The cryptic signs 
in the box. The counterpart of the skull they had found. 
The identical inscription. The agitation of the paralytic 
at the sight. He mentions the name of Walter. Retlaw 
enters and starts at the sight of the skulls. Tries to 
escape on seeing the paralytic. The latter annoimces his 
name as Clifford. Harry rightly judges that Retlaw is 


CHAPTEB 


CONTENTS 


Walter reversed. Ephraim recognizes Clifford. Walter 
arrested. 

XVII. Unraveling the Mysteries Page 214 

Speculations concerning Walter. Sutoto informed. The 
mystery of their missing boat. Clifford’s story. The 
paper with the markings on the skull identified by Ta 
Babeda. The secret in possession of Walter. The boys’ 
suggestion as to proper names for the natives. Sur- 
names, and how originated. The method adopted by the 
Homans. The Greek names. English surnames. Clif- 
ford’s condition improving. Trying to identify the skel- 
eton found on Venture Island. Clifford recognizes 
Ephraim. Walter’s letter. The three islands. The tri- 
angle. The three southern stars. The southern cross. 
The three crosses. Thirty leagues. The charts of the 
islands. 

XVIII. The Story of the Lettered Skull Page 224 

Clifford awakes. The escape of Walter and his recap- 
ture. Clifford continues his story. His effort to find the 
treasure island. His meeting with Walter. Capture by 
the savages. The Juan Ferde. Blakely and Clifford. 
His knowledge of the skull. The finding of the boys’ 
boat. Sailing down the river. Loss of the boat. Find- 
' ing his companions. Sailing to Venture Island. His 
illness. Meeting with Walter on Rescue Island. His be- 
lief that Walter had hidden the chart. Walter brought 
in. Clifford apologizes to Walter. The Sign of the Plus 
and V. The chambers in the cave. What the inscrip- 
tions meant. Surprise when Walter learns of the find- 
ing of the copper box. Explains the meaning of the 
charts. Why there were three skulls. The mysterious 
letter. The remarkable happenings explained. 


« 




TREASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


CHAPTER I 

THE PECULIAR SIGNALS 

‘‘Do you remember, Harry, after discovering the 
treasure and the skeletons of tbe pirates in the cave 
near tbe Cataract, that we heard the doleful sound 
of some bird while going down the hiUT’ 

“Yes ; that cry was something like it. Do you re- 
call the name of the bird, George?’^ 

“ It was the Alma Perdita. ’ ’ 

“I remember, now; it means the ‘Cry of the Lost 
Soul.’ 

“Yes; but I don’t think that came from a bird. 
It is more like an animal of some kind. Don’t you 
hear a sound that seems to be answering it?” 

“It does seem so; I think John would know what 
animal it is ; but it is too late to speak to him about 
it to-night, George.” 

As Harry ceased speaking, the boys heard a noise, 
and George arose holding up his hand as a warning. 
“I think I see something, so we ought to call John.” 

The boys quietly moved forward, and noted two 
figures moving about a short distance beyond. The 
boys crawled over to the place where John was sleep- 
15 


16 


TREASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


ing, and found that tlie place he occupied, as well as 
that of Uraso’s vacant 

''That must he John and Uraso over there,’’ re- 
marked Harry in a whisper. 

They were confirmed in this on approaching the 
moving figures, and saw that both were armed, and 
also that they were watching another moving figure 
beyond. 

"Is that a bird or an animal?” asked George. 

"An animal,” replied John, in an undertone. 

"That was my opinion from the first,” remarked 
George, who turned to Harry with a sort of 'I told 
you so,’ expression. 

"But it is a two-legged animal,” responded John. 

' ' How long have you been up ? ” asked Harry. 

' ' More than an hour, ’ ’ said Uraso. ' ' Muro is now 
coming back, and we shall know something more defi- 
nite. ’ ’ 

' ' Then that is Muro ? ’ ’ asked George, in surprise. 

"Yes; he has been stalking the ones making that 
noise, and was the one who called our attention to 
it.”^ 

Muro disappeared, and the peculiar cries were re- 
peated, then, most startlingly, a sound, similar in 
character, appeared to come from a point very close 
to where they were now crouching. 

John turned to Uraso in astonishment. The lat- 
ter did not seem at all perturbed, but after the sec- 
ond cry Uraso imitated the sound, and John smiled. 

"Muro has the exact tone now,” said John. 

"Yes,” replied Uraso, "and the cry I gave was an 
answer, which Uraso understands.” 

In a few minutes Muro appeared, but he was not 


THE PECHLIAE SIGNALS 


17 


smiling. His face was grave, as he said : ‘ ^ We have 
come upon the terrible Konotos. I feared that when 
I heard the first cry several hours ago.^’ 

‘^Have you been near themP^ asked John. 

‘‘Near enough to know that there are quite a num- 
ber, and what is more, they are now engaged in their 
regular feast, and if they have any captives, this is 
the time that they will be sacrificed,’’ said Muro. 

“Why do you think this is the time for that?” 
asked Harry. 

“Because it was now nearing the dark of the moon, 
as you call it, and that time is chosen because the 
Great Spirit, out of anger, is hiding the light. ’ ’ 

The boys now understood that this was a rite prac- 
ticed by some of the tribes on Wonder Island, during 
that season of the Moon’s phase. 

“Hid you talk with them in that strange lan- 
guage?” asked Harry. 

“No ; but I tried to find out the key to the language 
they used.” 

“Is that their regular language?” 

“Oh, no! That is simply the special language 
which they use on certain occasions,” answered 
Muro. 

‘ ‘ The savages here, as everywhere, have a sort of 
code language, or a species of wireless telegraphy, 
used by them only when in the presence of enemies,” 
commented John. 

“Harry and I thought it might be the Alma Per- 
dita, that we heard at the cave near Cataract. ’ ’ 

“No; but it shows the ingenuity of the savages, 
when I explain that their most favored method is to 
assume the cry of some bird or animal, and in so 


18 TREASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


doing make it difficult for the enemy to distinguish 
the assumed from the real.’’ 

^‘But on Wonder Island we had several methods 
of talking to each other,” remarked Uraso. ‘^For 
instance, we would perfectly imitate the cries of a 
number of birds, and also of certain animals, and of 
the wood insects. Thus, a nightingale would mean 
watchfulness ; the chirrup of a cricket would be the 
signal that the enemy was not dangerous, or that 
there were not many of them; the cry of the Lost 
Soul bird would indicate that there was great danger, 
and so on with the birds and animals that make 
noises.” 

^‘But I have discovered another thing,” remarked 
Muro. 

‘‘And what is that?” said John. 

‘ ‘ The natives here are cannibals. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ That merely confirms my knowledge of the mat- 
ter,” said John. 

The boys looked at John in amazement. How did 
John know there were cannibals on the island? 

“When did you learn that?” asked Harry. 

“Yesterday,” was his reply. 

“What did you find that makes you believe that?” 

“I discovered a bone which was once part of a 
human body. ’ ’ 

“But how would that.be any indication that the 
people here are cannibals ? ’ ’ 

“When you see a bone that has on it the unmis- 
takable markings of human teeth, it is pretty safe to 
infer that the animal which scratched the bone was 
a cannibal. ’ ’ 

From the report of Muro it was evident that there 


THE PECULIAR SIGNALS 


19 


was a large number of people on the island, and, if 
Muro’s observations were correct, they now had some 
captives, or, at least, were preparing to celebrate a 
feast in which human beings were to be the victims. 

‘^That satisfies me of one thing,’’ said Harry. 

‘^And what is that?” asked John. 

‘^Why, that there must be other tribes on the is- 
land,” he answered. 

‘‘Why do you infer that?” 

“Well, where would they get the victims?” 

“From their own people,” answered John. 

“What! eat their own people?” asked George. 

‘ ‘ That is not at all strange. Many people are 
known to sacrifice their own, and among the most 
degraded, they are known to kill and eat their own. ’ ’ 

“That is the first time I have heard of such a 
thing. ’ ’ 

“Don’t you remember that the Bible tells about 
Abraham about to offer up his own son as a sacri- 
fice?” 

“ Yes ; but not to eat him. ’ ’ 

“Of course not; but it is not an uncommon thing 
for tribes in Africa to sell their own children for this 
purpose. One of the greatest sacrificial rites of the 
ancient Mexicans, was to offer up the most handsome 
youth each year, as a propitiation to the gods. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ So they do not always depend on their enemies to 
furnish the feast?” 

“By no means. Many of the tribes have a super- 
stition that if they eat a brave enemy it will impart to 
them his spirit of valor, and the fact that they are 
to have sacrifices here does not mean that there are 
various tribes on the island ; but that is something we 


20 TREASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


shall have to investigate. It is my opinion that we 
shall find other tribes, hnt that, I am inclined to 
think, depends upon the size of the island.’^ 

The preceding volume, ‘‘Adventures Among 
Strange Islands,’’ states the conditions under which 
the two hoys, Harry and George, found themselves 
on a strange island, in the southern Pacific. Ac- 
companying them were John L. Varney, and about 
sixty natives from Wonder Island, together with the 
two Chiefs Uraso and Muro. 

Nearly three years previously the hoys, George 
Mayfield and Harry Crandall, who were members 
of the crew of a school-ship, the Investigator sailed 
from New York, and while on board, met a professor, 
who, when the ship was blown up at sea, became their 
companion in the life boat in which they sought 
refuge. Together they finally were stranded upon 
an unknown island, less than a hundred miles from 
the island which was the scene of the adventures with 
which we are now concerned. 

On this island they discovered five or six savage 
tribes, from some of which they rescued seven of 
their former boy companions. Here also they met 
Mr. Varney, who had escaped from the savages. 
The Professor succeeded in reconciling all the war- 
ring tribes, and the natives were now engaged in 
agriculture, and in various other pursuits, and the 
boys had the great pleasure and satisfaction of being 
able to build their own vessel and return home. The 
trip to the Wonderful island, with which this volume 
deals, was for a double purpose, as will presently he 
shown. 


THE PECULIAR SIGNALS 


21 


J ohn, as Mr. Varney was familiarly known to them, 
was not only a well educated man, but a great adven- 
turer, and had traveled all over the world in pur- 
suit of scientific knowledge. He was particularly in- 
terested in the history of the men who first went to 
the western world, and scattered civilization to the 
benighted countries. 

Like many men of his character, he did not con- 
sider the question of money. He tried to acquire 
knowledge and information for the love of the quest, 
and in order to be of service to his fellow man, so 
it was purely by accident that he became a member 
of a crew that sailed for the southern seas at the 
same time that the boys left New York on their trip. 

While his companions undertook the mission solely 
for the sake of the money which might be acquired, 
John engaged thinking it might offer the means of 
laying bare many of the early legends and vague his- 
torical accounts with which that region of the South 
Seas abounds, and he knew that if any records were 
in existence, they could be preserved only in such 
secure places as caverns, which the Spanish bucca- 
neers invariably selected as the safest places to con- 
ceal their treasures. 

While the boys, together with the Professor and 
John, had found a vast amount of treasure, as stated 
in the first six volumes containing the history of 
Wonder Island, they found not a single scrap of his- 
torical value, excepting a few traces, which have been 
referred to, and certain inscriptions which all pointed 
to the same depositary, somewhere in the South Seas. 

The last inscription was found by John, shortly 
before they left Wonder Island, and which, though 


22 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


its full meaning was wrapt in mystery, pointed, as 
did the others, to another island than the one on 
which it was found. What made the matter still 
more interesting, was the knowledge that some one, 
hy the name of Walters, either had prepared the in- 
scription, or had some knowledge of what it meant. 

This man was not known to any of the party, and 
what made it the more remarkable was the informa- 
tion, lately obtained, that while Walters, apparently, 
knew one of the companions who accompanied John 
on his wrecked vessel, that man did not know Wal- 
ters, at least not hy that name. 

These circumstances, together with numerous 
other incidents, which the boys could not understand, 
or unravel, made such an impression on them, that 
they were determined to devote their energies to fer- 
ret out the inexplicable things, and the earnestness 
of J ohn was a great incentive in the undertaking. 

Up to this time the boys did not know the real mo- 
tive in the mind of J ohn. To them this quest on his 
part was to find out where the Treasure islands were 
for the material value that might be obtained. 

His long silence about the real design had been 
purposely concealed by him, as he felt that merely to 
delve into the hidden recesses of the islands would 
not be understood by them in its real sense, because 
as boys they could not appreciate that real knowl- 
edge always must be disassociated from the idea of 
material or commercial gain. 

It was with a great deal of anxiety that the boys 
waited for the morning sun. They had but a com- 
paratively small force to deal with the situation. 
True, they were equipped with fire-arms, and they 


THE PECULIAE SIGNALS 


23 


knew that the Pioneer, their vessel, would return 
within a week, still, within that time the large num- 
ber of natives might be able to surround them, and 
unless they could get some word to the ship, and by 
that means enable their friends to send reinforce- 
ments, they would be starved out. 

As soon as the camp was astir there was a consul- 
tation. John had fully matured a plan in his mind, 
but it was always a pleasure, as it had been with the 
Professor, to present any complications to the boys, 
so that they could take a hand in the developments 
which might follow. 

‘‘Harry and I have been considering the matter,’’ 
said George. “We think it would be well to leave 
this place, and go back to the landing and wait for the 
Pioneer, We will then be ready, with reinforce- 
ments to meet them with more than an even chance. ’ ’ 

“But,” remarked John; “are you willing to go 
back, and permit the devils here to destroy the cap- 
tives they may have, or, to prevent them from sac- 
rificing their own people?” 

The boys had not thought of this. “I know the 
feast days, during which these events will take place, 
will occur within the next four days,” added Muro. 

“If that is so,” said Harry, “I am willing to do 
my share in keeping them from it. What do you 
suggest?” 

“We must try to get into communication with 
them, and if we fail then I am in favor of taking some 
stringent measures to divert them from their pur- 
pose, ’ ’ answered J ohn. 

“Then you may be assured we are with you to the 
end,” said George. 


24 


TKEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘‘After talking with Uraso and Mnro, we have 
agreed on a plan that may be successful, and it will 
at any rate, for the time, prevent them from carrying 
out their festival scheme.^’ As John said this Muro 
appeared, and stated that he had discovered the ar- 
rival of at least a hundred natives on the hill beyond 
the second ravine, and that he saw smoke on the third 
hill beyond that, and was of the opinion that the vil- 
lage must not be far away. 

This intelligence added interest to the situation. 
As nearly as could be estimated they were at least 
fifteen miles from the landing place selected when the 
Pioneer sailed. 

“Unless I am very much mistaken the ridge on 
which we now are is the backbone of the island, and I 
also believe that it is narrow and we should be able 
to find the sea much nearer by going east from this 
place, ’ ’ remarked J ohn. 

‘ ‘ But if we do that it will be necessary for some one 
to go to the place selected for the landing of the 
Pioneer j and tell them of our plans, and what we 
have learned, ’ ’ said Harry. 

“That is what I have in mind. But before doing 
that we must investigate this portion of the island 
more carefully. My plan is as follows : Along this 
ridge, further to the east, is a sheltered spot, or a 
place where the rocks form a sort of cove, and which 
can be easily defended. If the natives have not 
reached that quarter it will make an ideal retreat for 
us, and where we can defend ourselves for an indefi- 
nite time. ^ ’ 

“But why should we take up time to find a place 


THE PECULIAE SIGNALS 


25 


like that if you intend to take steps toward meeting 
the natives 1 ’ ’ 

^ ^ It will he used to fall back upon. ’ ’ 

‘^Oh, then you intend to take measures against 
them at once 

‘ ‘ Not for the first day, at least. As soon as we are 
established there we will investigate the region to the 
east, and if we find the shore line closer on the east- 
ern shore, we can then send a runner with a message 
to the landing place, giving them the information.’’ 

The boys now understood. It was evident that it 
would have been bad policy to retreat in face of the 
enemy, if such he should prove to be. Something 
must be done to divert the natives for the time being. 
This would give them time to communicate with their 
vessel. 

There is one thing that must be remembered. 
The savages know of our presence here. They are 
now on the alert, and we are being watched with the 
greatest vigilance. If they think there is an oppor- 
tunity for fresh victims it will stimulate them to the 
greatest exertions. ’ ’ 

agree with you in that view,” said Uraso, as 
John finished speaking. 


CHAPTER n 


THE SAVAGES ON THE HILL 

Aftee a hurried breakfast the party marched 
along the southern crest of the hill, keeping as much 
out of view of the watchers on the northern side as 
possible. The course adopted was one well calcu- 
lated to deceive the natives, for while the main bulk 
of the party silently left the camping place, a half 
dozen of their companions were left behind, and they 
were particular to remain exposed at intervals, so 
that the departure of the main party would not be 
discovered. 

To those left behind, J ohn said : ‘ ‘ Remain here un- 
til you hear firing. In that event you will know that 
we have met them, and that fact will be sufficient no- 
tice that your duty here is at an end. Hraso has 
begged the privilege of being with you, and you know 
that is 'an assurance of your safety in any event. 

The place suggested by John was not over two 
miles distant. Muro went ahead with one of the 
most reliable men of his tribe, and at intervals this 
runner was sent back with the information that the 
course was clear. 

Everything pointed to the success of the scheme, 
until they were within sight of the place, when the 
runner came back hurriedly with the information 
that Muro had seen the first of the natives, and he 
26 


THE SAVAGES ON THE HILL 27 

felt certain that they were at the place selected for 
their fort. 

The party halted. The runner returned, and John 
sent back a messenger to Uraso, advising him to come 
forward at once. Within fifteen minutes the mes- 
senger returned with the startling information that 
the natives were between them and Uraso. 

This was, indeed, surprising. Either they were 
experts at stalking enemies, or they had been fortu- 
nate enough to bring up a force in such a position as 
to make Uraso ’s escape a most hazardous one. 

^‘We must make the best of the situation,’’ said 
John. ‘‘Let us prepare to receive them, if they are 
determined to attack us.” 

“But what shall we do about Uraso?” asked 
Harry, in some consternation. 

“I think Uraso knows how to take care of the 
situation. He is shrewd enough to outwit them, and 
if there is any danger from that quarter, he will let 
us know.” 

“But how can he let us know if his messenger can- 
not get through ? ’ ’ 

John smiled, as he looked at George, and re- 
sponded : “You have evidently forgotten that Uraso 
has the best signaling instrument in the world, the 
gun.” 

“Certainly; I had forgotten that. But what shall 
we do if — ’ ’ His voice was cut short by a shot from 
the direction of Uraso ’s position. 

“There it is,” said Harry. “Two more shots!” 

The scout from the rear now came in on a leap. 
“They are coming this way,” he hurriedly informed 
John. 


115 


28 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘ ‘ Who are coming 1 ’ ’ asked J oka. 

‘‘The natives.^’ 

“Lie down!^’ he commanded. “No one must fire 
until I give the command. ‘ ‘ Oto*, go to Muro at once, 
and tell him to come back immediately.^^ 

In the distance to the west could be seen little 
squads of natives coming directly toward them. In 
the different groups were fully fifteen men, all armed 
vith spears and bows and arrows. 

“Uraso is driving them this way; I am sure of 
that,’’ remarked John, as he watched their maneu- 
vers. 

“What makes you think so?” asked G-eorge. 

‘ ‘ They are simply retreating, thinking, in all prob- 
ability that they have met our entire band. They do 
not know we are here. ’ ’ 

“Brave Uraso! I hope he will not get into dan- 
ger, ’ ’ said George. ‘ ‘ There they are now ; see them 
on the ridge to — ’*’ 

A shot from the direction of Muro now awoke them 
to action. The moment that sound reached the on- 
coming savages, they halted, and huddled together, 
evidently in confusion at the meaning of the new 
alarm. 

“Ah! they are puzzled!” Then, after a pause, 
he continued: “I hope Muro is not in trouble! I 
do not understand why his messenger has not re- 
turned. ’ ’ 

Within ten minutes of the report of the gun which 
has just been referred to, the messenger sent by 
J ohn, came' in and stated that it was impossible for 
him to reach Muro, as the hill directly to the east 
was alive with warriors. 


THE SAVAGES ON THE HILL 


29 


It was now Muro ’s tnm to get the sympathy of the 
boys, and both of them turned to John, who still 
seemed unperturbed. 

‘‘We will march directly to the east,” he an- 
nounced. “Every man must hold his gun ready for 
instant firing. Move forward quietly, as you have 
been doing. We must go to the assistance of Muro. 
Uraso will take care of the rear.” 

They glided along the crest, directly behind John, 
and as they passed over the hill, it was evident that 
the natives were out in forde. 

“I wonder whether they have captured Muro!” 
asked Harry. 

“No ; he is all right. You may depend on it that 
he will not be taken without a warning shot is given. ’ \ 

‘ ‘ But we heard a shot. ^ ’ 

“True; but that was the messenger.” 

From the manner in which the natives in their 
front were scurrying to and fro, it was apparent to 
John^s practiced mind, they had no idea of the ap- 
proach of John and his party. It was plain that they 
knew of Muro, or, at least of some one beyond the sec- 
ond hill, where John inferred Muro must have gone, 
because all their energies appeared to be directed to- 
ward that point. 

“I am afraid they are after Muro*, but I am sure 
if he finds himself in danger he will fire a shot to 
warn us. In such a situation we must attract their 
attention. I will detail the first squad to accompany 
me. All those remaining will conceal themselves, 
and under no circumstances show yourselves, or let 
your presence be known, unless you are attacked. 
We will go to the point beyond the two large trees, 


30 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS- 


and make tlie demonstration there, thus drawing 
them away from Muro. ’ ’ 

John with the six men designated hurried over the 
intervening ground, just as two shots, undoubtedly 
from Muro, broke the quiet, and placed the watchers 
on the alert. In less than ten minutes the boys heard 
a volley to the right, and almost instantly the oppo- 
site slope was alive with natives running to and fro 
in all directions, and the most peculiar cries were 
heard, while in the distance there was a singular 
rhythmic sound as though drums were being beaten, 
in regular time. 

It sounded very weird and fascinating. The 
drums, if such they were, had different keys, and 
their companions did not appear to be able to give 
any information about them. 

While thus waiting for John to appear, the watch- 
ers were surprised to see the force which was between 
Uraso and themselves, rushing alongside the hill, and 
directly toward their place of concealment. Here 
was a problem, not contemplated by John, and the 
boys consulted the men with them. 

Harry said: will do what has always been our 

custom, that is first show ourselves, and indicate 
that we do not wish to be enemies, and try to gain 
their confidence.’’ 

think some of the men should try to talk to 
them. It is possible that they may be acquainted 
with their language. You remember the one we cap- 
tured could understand what Muro said,” suggested 
George. 

It should be stated that after they landed on the 
island, four days previously, they had made a short 


THE SAVAGES ON THE HILL 


31 


excursion into the interior, wliere they were attacked 
by a tribe, of which one of the men was captured, 
after being wounded, and then taken by the Profes- 
sor on board the Pioneer, and carried to Wonder Is- 
land. 

The savages came forward apparently without 
knowing of the existence of our party, and when 
within two hundred feet Harry, and Tarra, one of the 
most intelligent of the islanders, stepped forward, 
and waved their hands. 

The natives stopped in astonishment. Tarra 
spoke to them, but they were mute. Then Tarra 
turned to Harry, and rubbed his nose, and made a 
sign of friendship. After some hesitation the leader, 
who was, from all appearance a chief, answered, that 
they demanded the delivery to them of the wounded 
man. After this was interpreted Harry assured him 
that the man would be restored safe and sound, as 
soon as he was cured. 

At this information the Chief told Tarra that he 
lied, and that he had been taken for the purpose of 
being sacrificed. He was assured that such was not 
the case, as they did not believe in sacrificing human 
beings. 

The Chief then demanded that they leave the island 
at once, or they would kill all of them. Tarra 
laughed at this announcement, and his demeanor was 
such as to astound the natives. ^Wou do not know 
what you say, ’ ’ said Tarra. ‘ ^ The white people who 
are with us have fire guns, which kill when they 
speak,’’ and he held up one of them, and the boys 
were amused to see how quickly they began to waver 
and look about for shelter. 


32 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


have not come here to injure you,’^ said 
Tarra. ^ ^ We want to be friends. ^ ^ 

This appeal did not affect the Chief, but seeing his 
men disappear he silently withdrew to the north. 
They had scarcely gone before XJraso and his men 
appeared in the taU grass beyond, and were most 
heartily welcomed by the boys. 

Uraso laughed as he related their experience. He 
said that the band came up, after John and the party 
left, and in order to make as big a showing as pos- 
sible he and his companions hid in the grass, being 
separated from each other twenty feet or more, thus 
making a line over a hundred feet in length. 

The savages did not know that the entire line was 
occupied only by seven men. To all appearances the 
waving of the grass at the different points along the 
line, indicated to them the presence of a large force. 
As a result they started for the east, instead of going 
to the south, as Uraso had calculated they would do, 
and which indeed they would have done had they not 
heard the peculiar savage-made signals of the party 
which was hunting Muro. 

The movement of the band in that direction drove 
them directly toward the watchers who had been left 
behind by J ohn, and for them to meet a second party, 
immediately after they left Uraso, must have been 
a most astonishing thing to them. 

But the savages were still more confounded, when, 
after leaving the boys, they learned from the signals 
that a third party (the one with John), was still fur- 
ther to the east. 

The first evidence the boys had, that the last party 
had reached the main band of savages, was the re- 


THE SAVAGES ON THE HELL 


33 


currence of the same peculiar sounds that were heard 
during the night. 

‘‘They are telling them that we are all over the 
island. They are worried about the situation/’ said 
XJraso. “John purposely took the men forward in 
order to create the impression that our people might 
he found everywhere. ’ ’ 

“Did you hear the shots that Muro fired?” asked 
George. 

“ Yes ; they were on all sides of him, undoubtedly, 
but I am satisfied he is all right now.” 

‘ ‘ What makes you think so ? ” 

“For the reason that the natives are retreating, 
and dare not attack him. The last signs were those 
indicating danger. They were entirely different 
from those sent out last night. ’ ’ 

The peculiar drum beats ceased. Only occasion- 
ally could the plaintive signal cry be heard, and after 
waiting for more than half hour, the boys were de- 
lighted to see John and Muro appear on the distant 
hill, accompanied by the men who were detailed with 
him. 

Muro ’s story was an interesting one. He went di- 
rectly east for a distance of nearly two miles, pass- 
ing between two different parties, who were, of 
course, unaware of his presence. He sent the mes- 
senger back when he met the first natives, and when 
this messenger was on his way back he found the 
savages before him, and they made a rush which 
he stopped by the shot which John and the boys 
heard. 

After he had passed the second lot of natives he 
ascended the second hill, and beheld, far in the east, 


34 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


the open sea. This, he knew, was a matter of prime 
importance to them, as he felt assured it could not be 
more than five miles distant. 

While investigating the shore line, in order to se- 
lect some particular marking point, by means of 
which they might be able to direct the Pioneer , he 
was surrounded by the natives. Not that they knew 
he was at that particular place, but, as he was now 
near the rocky headland which he was seeking, it 
occurred to him that they might be going on the same 
mission, and before he could extricate himself a small 
band intercepted him. 

He told them that they were friends and not ene- 
mies, and tried to win them over by promises of 
reward. For some reason or other they declined to 
treat with him, and he then had to resort to the rifle 
to impress them with the invisible power which he 
possessed. 

This was done by the two shots which the boys 
heard. They were of course awed by the explosion, 
and by the effect of the shots, and since it did not 
seem to bring about the desired results, he coolly 
marched away, and told them that they dared not 
follow him. 

His bravery undoubtedly proved his salvation, for 
they were too much astounded to move at his au- 
dacity. He did not go far, because he knew that his 
safety lay in keeping himself concealed, since he felt 
assured that it would not be long before John would 
resort to some device to attract their attention. 

His calculations were justified, for within a quar- 
ter of an hour he heard the volley which John or- 
dered, and in an increditable short space of time the 


THE SAVAGES ON THE HILL 35 

woods were cleared of the watching natives, who, un- 
doubtedly, were on the alert to capture him. 

‘^The boys went with me to the foot of the hill,’^ 
said John. ‘‘I knew Muro would fire three shots if 
he were in danger. When we were half way up the 
hill, we saw the natives stealthily moving around 
the hill, as though trying to encircle the position 
among the rocks. It was enough to indicate to me 
that Muro was the one they were stalking. 

‘^We did not shoot at the natives, but intended it 
merely as a warning. It was sufficient, for they made 
for cover at once, and within ten minutes we heard 
Muro’s signal, and found him safe.’’ 

^‘But isn’t that fine about the sea?” said Harry 
with enthusiasm. 

‘‘Yes; and that means we must now send a mes- 
sage to the landing place. Muro, did you see enough 
of the shore line to enable you to describe it ? ” asked 
John. 

“I was not near enough to tell exactly, but I be- 
lieve it is directly east of our landing place, but, 
of course, on the opposite side of the island,” was 
his response. 

“That will be near enough. Our work. is on this 
side of the island. As soon as we have quieted down 
a little you will hear some news,” said John as he 
glanced at the boys significantly. 

The runner was directed to proceed to the landing 
place, and to remain there during the night. He was 
then to return the first thing in the morning, and 
would find the party camped at the rocky height be- 
yond. 

Without waiting for further explanations, and de- 


36 


TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


tails of experiences, they started for the place where 
they might find some shelter from the numerous foes, 
and at which place they might be able to formulate 
a plan to get into communication with the natives. 

It was late in the afternoon when they gained the 
rocky heights, and saw the wild nature of the sur- 
roundings. 

‘^How did you know this place was here?’’ asked 
Harry. 



was here day before yesterday, and it was from 
this place we started when we heard your first guns 
in the battle you had with the natives,” was John’s 
answer. 

^^But how does it happen that you did not see the 
ocean?” 

‘^Well, are you able to see the ocean anywhere 
from this point ? ” he was asked. 

The question was a natural one, for when Muro 
came over the last hiH to the south the sea was visible, 
hut the rocky point was to the north, and thus out of 
range. 


THE SAVAGES ON THE HILL 37 

‘‘Did you hear the singular drum-like sounds this 
afternoon?’’ 

“They were drums,” answered John, “and most 
peculiar ones, too. I have not seen the ones used 
by the natives here, but they have the same resonant 
sounds made by certain African tribes, and also by 
some South American savages.” 

“What is it like?” was Harry’s next question. 

‘ ‘ They are made of flat pieces of wood, very thin, 
laid over open-topped gourds. The gourds are, of 
course, dried, and the dryer they are, the more res- 
onant the sound. ’ ’ 

“Why, that is something like the Xylophone.” 

‘ ‘ Exactly so. That instrument is of savage origin. 
Instead of gourds some tribes use calabashes, which 
grow to enormous size, and they are highly prized 
owing to the quality of the sound they produce when 
used in this way. ’ ’ 

“But the ones we heard had different tones.” 

“They use wooden strips of different lengths, ex- 
actly like the Xylophone. They are called Marim- 
bas, balaf ongs and sansas, by the various tribes. ’ ’ 

While George, Harry and Uraso, were scouting to 
the north they unexpectedly came around the cor- 
ner of a hill, from which they could see a beautiful 
valley running to the north, and directly opposite, on 
a little plateau, was a type of mountain deer, stand- 
ing like a sentinel near the precipitous edge, while be- 
low were dozens feeding. 

The boys dared not shoot at them, but they remem- 
bered the place, and made up their minds that as soon 
as they had made friends of the natives they would 
have a hunt in this section. 


CHAPTEE III 


CAPTURE OF THE VILLAGE 

The most trying time for all adventurers and ex- 
plorers, is after night has set in. During the day- 
time there is always plenty to take up one’s atten- 
tion and energies, but as the sun goes down the world 
seems to contract into a very small space, and when 
enemies are near the burden of waiting is a doubly 
trying one. 

The boys had spent many such nights. Whenever 
John or the Professor were about these hours were 
always enjoyed, because like all healthy boys, they 
were ever on the alert to ask questions which hap- 
pened to be suggested by the experiences of the day. 

Now, it is a singular thing, that there is no selfish- 
ness in education. True education is charitable. 
Those who crave it with the most eagerness, are al- 
ways the foremost in wishing to impart it to others. 
The honest learner does not resent the listening ear 
of his fellow pupils. 

Uraso and Muro, the two chiefs, who were the 
first to conceive the advantages of education at the 
hands of John and the Professor, were always on 
the alert at the evening meetings, whenever their 
duties permitted it, and hundreds of the natives of 
Wonder Island craved the privilege of hearing the 
conversations which took place on all sorts of topics. 

In Unity, the capital of Wonder Island, schools had 

38 


CAPTURE OF THE VILLAGE 


39 


been established and were flourishing, and all the chil- 
dren were pupils, so that within another generation 
there would be a tremendous change for the better 
among those people. 

There was nothing more enjoyable to the boys than 
to see the intense interest manifested by the common 
natives, when night came on, and they expected one 
of the treats which they knew would be in store for 
them. 

On these occasions George and Harry were usually 
the questioners, but many times they saw that some 
of the men seemed to desire additional information, 
and by degrees the boys encouraged them to put the 
questions, and to seek inquiries. 

This had a very stimulating effect. John was de- 
lighted at the spirit thus developed, and he gave it a 
still broader range by refusing sometimes to answer 
the questions, and thus inviting answers from the 
men themselves. 

Thus discussion developed. It taught them to be- 
gin to think for themselves. If men know that the 
ready answer is always at hand, it prevents the mind 
from expanding. The evenings, therefore, were sea- 
sons of enjoyment, alike to the men as well as to the 
boys. 

After they had reached the cove in the rocks, and 
all the dispositions had been made for the night, John 
warned the men that while the natives were no doubt, 
in consternation, the utmost care must be observed to 
prevent any surprises. 

The moon had not yet arisen, but there was a beau- 
tiful clear sky. The great Southern Cross hung in 
the heavens like a giant lantern. On one side, and on 


40 


TREASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


line with each other, shone the two brightest stars in 
the heavens, the first being the Dog Star Sirins, and 
the next in order, Canopns, the one white, and the 
other a yellowish white. 

Then, on the other side of the Great Cross, sparkled 
Antares, the brilliant red star, of the first magnitude, 
while Spica, another star made np a most remarkable 
combination of heavenly orbs. 

George had always been impressed with the ap- 
pearance and the arrangement of the stars, and he 
was struck by the intense interest which all savages 
manifested in astronomy. 

‘‘Your observations are correct,’^ said John, when 
the discussion began. “Almost all of the savage 
rites, their feasts and religious ceremonials, have 
something to do with the appearances and the move- 
ments of the heavenly bodies. ’ ’ 

“I suppose the grouping of the stars, when they 
named these groups of the planets after animals, and 
the like, was done by the ancients, and really meant 
something in a religious way,’^ ventured Harry. 

“It is difficult really to determine the origin of 
what is called the Zodiac. From the evidence attain- 
able it was knoAvn to the Babylonians, over 2300 years 
before the Christian era. They divided the heavens 
into twelve parts, each cluster of stars representing 
some fanciful animal or being, such as the Lion, or 
the Bear, or the Dragon. ’ ^ 

“Isn’t it funny that the tribes here, as well as some 
on Wonder Island have an idea that the dark moon is 
caused by the Great Spirit trying to hide it in an- 
ger?” asked George. 

“It is singular when it is considered that the same 


CAPTUEE OF THE VILLAGE 


41 


superstition is found in many, many tribes, on differ- 
ent continents, and it induces the belief that this idea 
had one common origin, and that the people all 
sprang from one source, or, that the different peoples 
worked out the ideas independently of each other. 

This statement caused considerable discussion, the 
natives being of the opinion that the idea was worked 
out by the different peoples and could not have been 
spread broadcast by one set of people. 

‘‘Why do you think it could not have come from 
one racer’ asked George, as Uraso urged. 

“Because,” he answered, “how did the people in 
olden times cross the big ocean? Even now, people 
like my own, dare not venture on the sea, for any 
distance from shore. ’ ’ 

“But,” said John, “the surface of the earth was 
not originally like it is now. In many places over the 
earth, new lands have appeared, — that is, they come 
up out of the sea, and other lands have disappeared. 
We have records of islands, and parts of continents, 
hundreds of times larger than Wonder Island, which 
have disappeared in a single day. One of those, near 
Japan, sank, and engulfed over 200,000 people.” 

“You surprise me,” said Muro. 

“Furthermore, there is pretty conclusive evidence 
that the continents of Europe and America, were 
once joined, or that there was an immense continent, 
called Atlantis between the eastern and western hemi- 
spheres.” 

“I read something on that subject some time ago, 
in which the writer denied that such a thing was 
possible,” said Harry. 

“I am aware of that, but there are some things 


42 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 




CAPTUEE OF THE VILLAGE 


43 


wLicli are difficult to explain, unless the two hemi- 
spheres were once united, or, at any rate, were close 
enough together to permit travel from one part to the 
other. ’ ’ 

‘‘What evidence is there on that point 

“Well, in the first place, the root of the languages 
in Central America, and in Mexico, are the same as in 
the corresponding latitude in Europe and Africa. 
Then the Pyramids of Mexico are built on the same 
plan, and located, astronomically, the same as those 
inEgypf 

“But could not the ancients have crossed the seas, 
and in that way given the same knowledge to both sec- 
tions?’’ 

“There is absolutely no evidence that the ancients 
had vessels capable of traversing 2000 miles of 
ocean. ’ ’ 

“But the book I read said that the Western Hemi- 
sphere merely broke away from the main body of the 
land, and that is why the people here knew all that 
those in Europe had learned.” 

‘ ‘ That is very plausible, and for the purpose of giv- 
ing you a fair understanding of the matter, I make 
a sketch, showing (Fig. 2), the Atlantean theory, in 
which the western shores of Europe and Africa, and 
the eastern shores of North and South America are 
outlined, and between them, in dotted lines, is Atlan- 
tis, the only part of that vast continent now being 
visible being the Azore Islands, at the northern ex- 
tremity. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ But what evidence is there that such a continent 
existed ? Is it only a theory ? ’ ’ 

“ It is supported by some evidence, much of which, 
116 


44 


TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


like the account which the Egyptian priests gave to 
Solon, would take too long to state ; hut some years 
ago, while Darwin was engaged in making the deep 
sea soundings in the ship Challenger, it was found 
that the bed of the Atlantic showed a raised plateau, 
where the legendary Atlantis was claimed to be.’’ 

^^But might it not be possible that the other theory 
could be correct, also, — that is, that North America 
merely broke away, and in breaking away, left At- 
lantis as an island f ’ ’ 

^ H do not see how it can be reconciled. In the first 
sketch (Fig. 2), note the shape of the continent of 
Atlantis. Now, in the next sketch (Fig. 3), I have 
brought the two continents close up to each other. 
The outlines appear similar, and it would be difficult 
to make them fit together, if Atlantis should be placed 
there, or left in that space, after the breaking apart. ’ ’ 

The discussion was closed for the night and ar- 
rangements made for sleep and sentry duty. 

Frequently during the night the beating of the 
singular drums was heard. After the entertainment 
of the evening both Muro and Uraso undertook some 
scouting on their own account. The boys were awake 
early, and then learned of their expeditions. 

Three miles north of the rocky point the main vil- 
lage was located. They had crept for\vard cau- 
tiously until close enough to learn that there must be 
fully five hundred inhabitants. But what was more 
surprising still, was the evidence they obtained that 
the tribes believed in the Hoodoos and the witch doc- 
tors. 

The boys were jubilant at the information, and 
John was full of smiles as he imparted the informa- 


CAPTURE OF THE VILLAGE 


45 



46 


TREASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


tion. The difficulty was to get into communication 
with the natives, as their efforts of the preceding day 
did not offer much encouragement in that direc- 
tion. 

The fact that the people on the island observed pe- 
culiar rites was evidence to John that they must he 
steeped in the superstitions that are a necessary part 
of the craft of the witch doctors, and to the boys, 
as well as to Uraso and Muro, the opportunity for 
John to match his intelligence with the crafty Krish- 
nos, was awaited with interest. 

It was shown on Wonder Island, that while the 
people had the most implicit confidence in their medi- 
cine men, they were the first to cause their overthrow 
when it was shown that they maintained their superi- 
ority through deceit. 

Before nine o’clock the drums began to beat. 
They were plainly heard, as there was a slight breeze 
from that direction. John selected fifteen of the 
warriors, and accompanied by the boys, and Muro 
and Uraso, started for the village. 

‘Won are to remain here until you get word from 
us. If you should hear heavy firing it will be the sig- 
nal for you to come on without delay. In such a case 
approach cautiously, and rush them, so as to reach us. 
We do not want to cause the loss of a single life 
among them, except as a last resort to save our own. 
Otherwise you are not to leave the cove. One must 
be sent to the height beyond, to keep a watch for the 
Pioneer. 

‘Hf the vessel is sighted send a runner to the shope, 
and try to get into communication with it, so they 
may know where we are. 


CAPTUEE OF THE VILLAGE 


47 


‘^As soon as Tarra returns, send him forward to us 
without delay. He should he back before noon to- 
day.’’ John was thus precise to deliver the instruc- 
tions, because he did not know what their reception 
was likely to be at the village. 

As stated, his prime object was to prevent the sac- 
rifice of captives, if such there should be, or to put 
otf the rites which he knew would take place that day 
and the next. 

They marched down the hill, taking all precautions 
on the way, hut they met no opposition. Beyond 
them was a well wooded plain, and at intervals they 
could see, in the distance, detached huts, and in many 
places evidences of crude cultivation of the soil. 

The huts were unoccupied, hut it was evident from 
their appearance that they had been used up to that 
very day. 

cannot understand why no people are living 
here, ’ ’ remarked George. 

‘^They have gone to the village to attend the sa- 
cred rites,” responded Uraso. 

They were now less than a mile from the village, 
which could be seen in the distance through the trees. 
Something unusual was taking place to their left, and 
more than a mile away. Uraso agreed to go in that 
direction, and gain the slight elevation, which might 
atford him an opportunity to discover the cause of the 
excitement. 

There was considerable shouting, and then the 
beating of the drums, which they had not heard since 
the early morning. Uraso was gone not to exceed 
a half hour. 

<<They are having something unusual in that quar- 


48 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


ter. A number of natives have just come in, and a 
hundred, or more, from the village met the visitors. 

I cannot account for the demonstration,^^ observed 
one of the boys. 

‘Ht is quite likely,’^ suggested John, ^Hhat 
some other tribe has come in to attend the cere- 
monies. ’ ’ 

do not think so, because the visitors belong to 
the same people who live in the village.^’ 

John was determined to go on, and they proceeded, 
reaching the outlying portion of the village, just as 
the visitors, and those from the village were entering 
it from the other angle. 

‘ ‘ They have a prisoner there, ’ ’ said Muro. ^ ‘ I am 
sure that man in the first group is being conducted 
to the village. ’ ’ 

‘‘Unquestionably, Muro is correct. It is plain 
that a party of the villagers have captured the man, 
and the excitement we heard was caused by that 
fact.^’ And John began to speculate on the prob- 
ability of the island containing more than the one# 
tribe. 

“That man is a native, I am sure,’’ was Uraso’s 
observation. 

“That looks like Tarra,” said George, in excite- 
ment. 

This announcement had an electrical etfect on 
those present. If such should prove to be the case, 
what likelihood was there that he had delivered the 
message at the landing? Was he captured going, 
or coming. 

“It looks to me as though he was captured this 
morning,” observed Harry, “because if he had been 


CAPTUEE OF THE VILLAGE 


49 


taken last niglit, on his way over, they would not 
wait until to-day to bring him in/’ 

This looked like a reasonable supposition; but 
they must first make sure that it was Tarra. 

‘ ^ Forward march ! ’ ’ said John. 

But before they had time to go far the whole town 
seemed to be alive. From every part of the village 
men were running, and forming in the open space 
next the first row of huts. 

It was a most curious proceeding that the hoys 
now witnessed. In the center of the warriors was a 
large man, with a curious garb. On each side of 
him were noticed men with dissimilar clothing, but 
bedecked with every sort of device, the peculiarities 
of which could not be distinguished, owing to the 
distance. 

^^That large man in the middle, is the Chief, and 
those about him are the witch doctors. The Chief 
has brought the witch doctors so as to terrify and de- 
stroy us,” and John laughed as he remembered some 
of the wiles of that class on Wonder Island. 

To the beating of the drums, the Chief marched 
forward, his men following, and closing in on his 
sides to afford him protection. John motioned 
Uraso and Muro to step forward, and they advanced 
twenty feet beyond the warriors, and awaited the 
Chief. 

The latter stopped when within hailing distance, 
and John hqjd up a hand. Uraso then addressed the 
Chief, telling him that they came as friends, and 
not as enemies, and desired to be present at the cere- 
monies about to take place. 

He also recited that they came from a neighboring 


50 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


island, where they had a wonderful village, where all 
the people were happy, and they now wanted to show 
their friendship by offering presents. 

The Chief was silent, and then said: ‘^Why did 
you kill my people T’ 

‘‘We only defended ourselves. Your warriors 
were the ones who attacked us. We could have 
killed all of your warriors if we had been enemies. ’ ’ 
“You speak lies,’’ answered the Chief. “Why 
did you take my warrior ! ’ ’ 

“Because he was wounded and we are making him 
well, and will then return him to you so he can tell 
you that what we say is true. ’ ’ 

“You are again speaking lies,” he retorted. Not- 
withstanding the manner in which Uraso had steeled 
himself, he was visibly affected by the blunt manner 
in which the savage accused him, but he was judicious 
enough not to appear disturbed. 

“Ask him,” said John, “what he wants us to do 
to prove that we are friends, and not enemies.” 

The Chief, at this question, drew himself up 
proudly, and answered: “You are on my dominion, 
and you have no right to ask any favor from me. 
You must deliver yourself up as prisoners, and we 
shall then deal with you as we see fit. ’ ’ 

“In what way will you deal with us? Have we 
committed a wrong? Do you intend to punish us?” 

“You had no right to come here. Every one who 
does so without my permission, must die.” 

‘ ‘ Then you expect us to surrender so you may kill 
us?” 

“Yes.” 

“Then our Chief tells you that he has a right to 


CAPTUEE OF THE VILLAGE 


51 


come here, and that yon have no right to prevent it, 
and that if you try to kill us we will have the Great 
Spirit visit you the same as he visited your warriors 
the other day,’’ said Uraso. 

The Chief was astounded at the audacity of the 
visitors. He could not understand the presumption 
of Uraso, and the defiant attitude of the little group 
behind him. 

‘ ‘ Then I command the Korinos to destroy you ! ’ ’ 
he shouted. 

Muro turned to the boys, and smiled as he said: 
‘ ‘Do you know what he means 1 He calls them Kori- 
nos. On Wonder Island they are Krishnos. That 
seems pretty close to the same thing.” 

Uraso held up a hand, as he said: “I have a 
Korino here (pointing to John), and he will destroy 
your Korinos.” 

The witch doctors then ranged themselves in front 
of the Chief, and the latter said: “They will sacri- 
fice your friend who came to us to-day.” 

To the astonishment of all, Tarra was led for- 
ward, and ordered to kneel down. Then a great 
burly man, clothed in the garb so common to the 
sorceress among savage tribes, followed him with a 
huge knotted club. 

‘ ‘ Tell him that if he raises the club I will order the 
Korino to die. ’ ’ 

This was imparted, but it made no difference to 
the executioner. He stepped forward, and slowly 
raised the club^ but before it had reached its highest 
point, a revolver in the hands of John spoke, and 
the savage dropped the club, and slowly sank to the 
earth. 


52 


TBEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


It would be impossible to describe the consterna- 
tion that showed itself at this catastrophe. 

‘‘Come here, Tarra,^’ cried John. 

Tarra leaped to his feet, and with a few bounds 
was at Uraso’s side, while Harry jumped forward 
and cut the thongs that bound his hands. 

The Chief was bewildered, no less than those 
around him. No effort was made to prevent Tarra 
from escaping. The other Korino« did not even go 
forward to the relief of their slain comrade. He lay 
there motionless. 

“I am sorry, said John. “I must have made a 
miscalculation, but I am afraid he is dead. ’ ^ 

Then one of the Korinos moved toward the fallen 
man. “Stop!’’ cried John. “It will be death for 
any one to touch him now ! ’ ’ 

Uraso hurriedly informed the Chief of this new 
piece of information, which, in reality, caused more 
terror than the shot itself. What species of sorcery 
was this that they dared not even touch the victim 
who disobeyed the white Korino 1 


CHAPTEE IV 


KESCUING A WHITE CAPTIVE 

^‘Did you deliver the message at the landing 
place?’’ asked George, after Tarra was freed. 

^ ‘ No ; they captured me late last night. I tried for 
hours to get through, hut they were within a mile of 
the landing,” answered Tarra. 

‘‘But where have you been all this time?” 

“They took me north to another village.” 

But more interesting things were now happening. 
The witch doctor who was about to go to his fallen 
companion, hesitated. He turned to the Chief. 
The latter merely stretched out his hand, and with 
an impatient gesture appeared to order him on. 

“I warn you!” said Uraso. “It will be death to 
touch him.” 

If there is one thing, more than another, that is 
liable to add terror to a low order of human beings, 
it is noise. It may be said that the most intelligent 
are not entirely devoid of the feeling of fear at in- 
explainable noises. 

As an example, take the sensations produced by 
thunder and lightning, one which affects the ear, and 
the other the eye. During a thunderstorm, the feel- 
ing of fear becomes acute only when the roar is 
heard. 

In this case we know what it is that produces the 

53 


54 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


reverberations ; but even under those circumstances 
many people are seriously affected by it. A terrific 
explosion, of which we do not know the cause, is 
often the source of great terror. 

This is particularly true with all savage people. 
The drums referred to, evidence this particular 
feeling of awe, and the louder and more violent, the 
more intense is it to the untutored mind. It is with 
this idea in their minds that they exercise the bad 
spirits by driving them away by making great noises, 
a practice true of most savage tribes. 

When John returned to Wonder Island from the 
iUnited States he had taken with him several of the 
well-known Silencers, which, when attached to the 
muzzle of a gun, will so deaden the sound that no ex- 
plosion is heard. 





For general use, John knew that the unmuffled 
gun would be far more effective than those equipped 
with the new invention. Smokeless powder was also 
used in the guns which John and his company car- 
ried. The absence of smoke thus centers the mind 
of the native on the sound alone, and he sees the 
effect on the victim. 

To the savage the sound and the effect of the shot 
produce the sensation that there is something more 
than human in the discharge. It is hard for them 


EESCUING A WHITE CAPTIVE 


55 


to form an idea of the connection between the report 
and the mission of the bullet. It is some monster 
which speaks in a loud voice. 

But it was more than that to the islanders when 
they saw the mtch doctor fall. There was a white 
Korino who spoke with a voice of thunder. They 
were not aware that he held something in his hand 
like a weapon, and the noise and the result of that 
niose stunned them. 

John also carried a revolver with one of the 
silencers. When the Korino turned to .the Chief, 
and the latter, determined not to be swayed by the 
power of the white man, there was hut one thing for 
him to do. He must obey. He knew that if he 
shrunk from the task it would he a confession that 
his power was gone. 

The man approached the prostrate form. ‘ ^ Stop ! ^ ’ 
again cried Uraso. ‘‘The white Korino will not 
again speak, but if he touches the body you will 
die!^’ 

He stood there for a moment, irresolute, and then 
slowly stooped down, and with hesitation at every 
motion, finally touched the figure. In the meantime 
John had leveled the revolver with the silencer, and 
as the man again rose to an erect position, and 
glanced at John defiantly, he quickly threw up his 
hands and fell forward across his former companion 
with a shot through his arm, as it was not John’s 
intention to kill him if it could by any possibility be 
avoided. 

The white Korino had not spoken, as Uraso pre- 
dicted, but the results were the same. The savages 
who were lined up on both sides of the Chief, began 


56 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


to waver. They were moving to the rear. The 
Korinos around the Chief, finally broke and fled, 
and when the people saw this evidence of fear on the 
part of their Wise Men, they could not be restrained. 

The Chief followed them hurriedly. ^'Now, 
quickly, boys, fire two rounds. No; not at the na- 
tives, but up in the air. ’ ’ 

The boys could not understand what John could 
mean by such an order, but they did not have an 
opportunity to ask the reason for it. 

After the volleys John turned to Miiro and Uraso, 
and remarked: ^‘As soon as the men come up you 
and Muro must contrive in some way to find out the 
direction that the Korinos have taken.’’ 

They now saw the object of the volleys. It would 
bring up those of their party who had remained at 
the rocky cove. The watch for the Korinos was 
equally plain. The experience on Wonder Island 
showed that the witch doctors inhabited the caves. 

In the excitement they had entirely forgotten this 
part of their enterprise. They thought of the treas- 
ure. John had the treasure of the records in his 
mind. The hills all about ; the limestone formations 
of the elevations were ample assurance to his mind 
that some caverns would be found; and while they 
might, eventually, be able to locate the entrances, it 
would be better to find out where they were by watch- 
ing and charting the direction they took on their way 
to the dark places where they hoped to rest in fancied 
security. 

Within fifteen minutes their rear guard came into 
sight, rushing over the hills, all expectant to find an 
enemy in their front. Great was their surprise to 


EESCUING A WHITE CAPTIVE 


57 


see the village beyond, and John and his party bend- 
ing over the two bodies, one of them moving and the 
other inert. Apparently, he and his force were nn- 
concerned, although many savages were in the vil- 
lage, and in plain sight. 

An examination of the fallen men made John 
happy, because he feared that his aim had been un- 
true. Both had been severely wounded, and when 
an hour afterwards both men were able to move, 
thanks to the knowledge and care of John, they were 
carried into the village. 

Before this was done, however, John ordered the 
force to march boldly into the village. On the ap- 
proach of the party the Chief and his followers, to- 
gether with the women and children, hurriedly fled 
to the north. 

Among the huts were found a dozen or more sick 
and injured men and women, and a number of old 
people who were unable to be carried away. John 
went to each, and after carefully examining them, 
administered medicine. 

In one place they found two warriors, who had 
been wounded in the battle four days previously. 
These w^ere given special attention, the villagers 
meanwhile looking on the proceeding with a feeling 
of awe, and wonder. They could not comprehend 
the care and treatment which was being given them. 

John^s companions were most eager to render aid, 
and spoke to the patients freely, telling them that 
they were friends, and not enemies. During this in- 
vestigation into every corner of the village, George 
and Harry were the most active. They found many 
amusing things, but the care of the sick and the in- 


58 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


firm was the first duty, and they had many willing 
helpers. 

While thns engaged they reached a long, low 
thatched enclosure, so entirely different from the 
huts scattered about. There was no visible open- 
ing. They walked around the enclosure with more 
and more curiosity. Some of their companions from 
Wonder Island then drew near. 

‘^We have found it!’’ cried one of them. 

‘^What is it?” asked Harry. 

, ‘ ‘ This is the place where they keep me captives. ’ ’ 

‘‘But how can we get into it?” asked George, then 
adding, “Get one of the hatchets, quickly.” 

Several men ran hack and opened the packages 
containing their equipment, and others followed to 
see the prisoners. Uraso was one of the first to 
come up, and he was soon followed by John, all In 
excitement over the news. George was the first one 
to get a hatchet. He soon chopped a way through, 
and Uraso was the first to crawl into the enclosure, 
followed by George. 

The latter staggered back, as he saw the scene 
before him. The enclosure was fully fifteen feet 
high, and occupied a space, probably, twenty feet 
each way. It was constructed of a species of bam- 
boo, exceedingly hard, two rows of these paling being 
driven into the ground close together, so that it was 
impossible to see through the stockade at any point. 

Within there was absolutely nothing but the bare 
ground, and a mass of indescribable filth, as may 
be imagined. Here, lying on the earth, were five 
men, with little or no clothing, covered with dirt 
and vermin. Two of them were in fairly good con- 



“ ‘ Slop! ’ cried John, ‘ It will be death for any one to touch him’” 

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EESCUING A WHITE CAPTIVE 59 

dition, an evidence that they had not long been pris- 
oners. 

The other three were emaciated, and what sur- 
prised the boys most was the long, matted and 
tangled beard of one of the three. The moment John 
saw that form he turned to the boys and fairly 
shrieked: ‘‘This is a white man. Cut down that 
fence, so the men can be taken out, and the moment 
they are removed set fire to this place.” 

The boys could not understand John’s vehement 
expression. 

“Shall we bum the villager’ asked Harry. 

“Oh, no! Bum only this enclosure, and don’t let 
a vestige of it remain.” 

His orders were quickly carried out. Meanwhile, 
not a quarter of a mile away, were the Chief and the 
owners of the village, who, upon seeing the smoke and 
the flames, appeared to be frantic. No doubt they 
regarded it as a sign that the village was doomed, 
but they were soon reassured'by the time the stockade 
was finally consumed, and the few watchers reported 
to the Chief that nothing but the prison had been de- 
stroyed. 

“We have destroyed the Bastile,” remarked John, 
“and must now take care of the prisoners.” They 
found that it was indeed a white man who had been 
rescued. He was frightfully emaciated, and too 
weak to talk. 

This was also the condition of the two natives. 
The other two were soon restored, after receiving 
nourishment, and were ready to tell their story. 
They had been taken two weeks previously in a battle 
with the tribe to the north. 

117 


60 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


Through these men they learned that there were 
only two tribes on the island, and that this was by 
far the largest, in point of numbers. There had 
been continual war between the two people, and the 
only thing which saved his tribe from extermination 
was the fact that they lived in the mountain regions, 
and were thus protected. 

This information was very welcome to John and 
the boys. The mountains seemed to have a fascina- 
tion for them, — and then, the caves, how could they 
forget them now! 

For three hours the Chief and his people waited 
in the distance. John did not pay any attention to 
them, apparently. Shortly thereafter two of his 
men came in, dragging one of the former patients. 

‘‘We saw him trying to steal away,’’ said one of 
the men. 

“Was he going toward his people!” asked John. 

“Yes.” 

“Then let him go, by all means, and tell him that 
we would be glad to have the Chief and his people 
return. ’ ’ 

The poor fellow was astonished to learn that he 
was free. He was as much surprised at this as at 
the care which they had bestowed to cure him. He 
passed through the village, looking about him with 
furtive glances, but, at the command of John, no one 
paid any attention to him. 

When he reached the Chief there was a long con- 
sultation, and it was evident that a momentous 
change was taking place. The Chief could be seen 
^ constantly glancing toward the village, and soon the 


EESCUING A WHITE CAPTIVE 61 

self-imposed messenger returned and approached 
John. 

‘‘The Chief is willing to see you, and will come to 
you, if you wish it.’’ This was imparted to John, 
and the latter responded : 

‘ ‘ I will go with you. ’ ’ 

He called the two chiefs Muro and Uraso, and the 
hoys, and told them he would go with the messenger 
to the Chief, alone, and that they should have no 
fear for him. 

Accompanied by the messenger, John walked 
boldly to the Chief, and going up, pressed his nose 
against him, in token of eternal friendship, and then 
motioned him to go back to the village. 

The Chief was astounded, first, at the bravery of 
John in thus coming to him, and in then vowing eter- 
nal friendship. 

There is something very peculiar in the character- 
istics of savages which forbids them from violating 
a peace pledge, or a treaty of friendship when en- 
tered into with the rites that they acknowledge. The 
most formal of these rites, is that of rubbing noses 
together. 

How the custom originated, is not known. It is 
something like the kiss, in so far as it is a visible 
token of either love, friendship, or esteem. It is 
seldom that the savage violates the pledge which is 
thus given. John knew this, and felt assured the 
great Chief would respect it. 

When the latter came into the village, the first 
sight that met his eyes, was the demolished stockade. 
He looked at it for a moment, in silence. Then some 


62 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


of the old men came forward, and began to tell him 
the wondrons tales of kindness. 

The Chief went to his own home, and when he saw 
that everything was nntouched, and that none of the 
people was harmed,, he conld not understand the ac- 
tions of the White Chief, and so expressed his as- 
tonishment to Hraso and Muro. When he was told 
that the latter were Chiefs of two tribes on Wonder 
Island, he was still more surprised. 

‘‘Do you not fight each other he asked. 

Uraso smiled, as he answered: “Why should 
we fight! There is no pleasure in killing, or in caus- 
ing suffering. We used to think about those things 
as you do.’’ 

“What made you think otherwise!” 

“The WTiite Chief told us it was wrong, and we 
have found that his words were true.” 

“Where is this place where your tribe may be 
found!” 

“It is on the other side of the sea, over there,” 
answered Uraso, pointing to the west. 

“Will it take long to get there!” 

“It takes only one sun, and the Wliite Chief would 
be so happy to take you there and show you the great 
village, and to see the people and the Chiefs who 
live together in happiness, and to learn from the 
people themselves how they enjoy their homes, and 
make the many curious things that the White Chief 
has brought over for you.” 

The Chief looked about him, and finally said: “I 
want to see the White Chief. ’ ’ 

John had purposely refrained from going to the 
Chief’s home, but Uraso accompanied him at John’s 


EESCUING A WHITE CAPTIVE 


63 


request, because be was the more diplomatic, and 
wielded a stronger influence than Muro, owing to bis 
remarkable personality. 

John was glad of tbe opportunity, and tbe boys, 
as usual, were also present. Tbe Chief ^s eyes fol- 
lowed tbe two boys, as they entered. He smiled at 
them, as John came up and greeted bim. 

Uraso told John wbat they bad talked about, and 
that tbe Chief was interested in bis story of Wonder 
Island. 

‘‘Our Great Chief will welcome you to Wonder Is- 
land,’’ said John. 

Tbe Chief looked at John for a moment, and then 
bis eyes wandered to Uraso, as be answered: “Is 
there still a greater Chief? Is there a man more 
powerful than this Chief?” 

Uraso laughed, as did John. “Tell bim,” said 
John, that our Chief is powerful, because be is 
wise. ’ ’ 

He did not seem to understand this, and asked for 
more information. Uraso told bim that the white 
man did not regard tbe strong man as tbe greatest, 
but that tbe wisest man was always tbe Chief. 

Here was certainly a new philosophy. “But,” be 
inquired, “then bow can be rule bis people, if be is 
not strong?” 

“Tbe people willingly submit to bis will because 
they know wbat be says is best for them.” 

“But does not tbe Chief sometimes tell them lies, 
and does be not often deceive them?” 

“Yes; but when they do so then tbe people choose 
another Chief in bis place. ’ ’ 

“And after they have killed tbe first Chief, and 


64 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 

liave taken anotker, and lie lies, do they also kill 
himV’ 

''No ; they do not kill the Chiefs, but they only put 
others in their places. ’ ’ 

' ' Then they are not wise Chiefs ? ’ ’ 

"No; they are wise only when they do what is 
right.” 

"Do what is right! What do you mean by that? 
How can the Chief do anything but right ? ^ ^ 

"Do you think,” asked Uraso, "that the Chief has 
a right to lie or deceive ? ’ ’ 

"Yes, he can do that, but not his people. It is 
wrong for them to do so. ’ ’ 

"But the white man believes that it is just as 
wrong for the Chief to lie and to deceive, as for the 
people to do so.” 

The Chief was silent for a long time, and John 
purposely permitted him to reflect on the new dis- 
pensation. While thus musing on the new theory, a 
woman carrying a child appeared at the door. John 
saw her, and, stepping out, took the child from her 
arms. She permitted it, and when the Chief ap- 
peared she fell down and explained that the White 
Chief had been very kind to her. 

John took some medicine from a small vial, and 
administered it, the Chief meanwhile looking on in 
astonishment. Here was a great WJiite Chief, look- 
ing out for the comfort of one of the poorest of his 
people. 

Uraso knew his thoughts. This woman was the 
poorest and the lowest in the tribe, and John, without 
stopping to make any inquiries as to her condition, 
or position in life, had aided her and her old mother. 


EESCUING A WHITE CAPTIVE 


65 


Evidently tlie new doctrine was something so ex- 
traordinary, that it was worth investigating. Hraso 
saw the embarrassment in the mind of the Chief, and 
after speaking a few words, withdrew. 

As they left the Chief’s quarters the hoys roamed 
through the village. The stories of the sufferers 
which John had aided, the scrupulous care with 
which the men guarded the homes of the villagers 
while they were absent, had a most telling effect. 

The warriors from Wonder Island mingled with 
the villagers. It was singular that there was not 
an expression of hatred. They fraternized, and re- 
lated stories of Wonder Island, and the people told 
them about their own island. 

The boys met many of their own ages, and to them 
they showed the revolvers, and the marine glasses, 
and then astounded them by exhibiting the watches 
which they carried. ' 


CHAPTER V 

EETUEN OF THE NATIVES 


Seveeal of the packages left at the landing place, 
contained nnmerons trinkets, and articles of personal 
adornment, snch as the natives adored. Brightly- 
colored fabrics, made at the factory on Wonder Is- 
land were also among the many articles, which had 
been intended to be used as presents. 

John was gratified to learn, an honr or two after 
the Chief returned, that the latter had given orders 
to the villagers to prepare a feast for the visitors. 

‘‘But where are the Korinos?’* asked George. 

True, they had disappeared. 

‘‘Let us see John about that,’^ responded Harry. 

They had some time in finding him, but later on 
learned that he was attending to the wounded, and 
caring for the late prisoners. 

“It would not be wise to speak to the Chief about 
that now,’’ responded John. “The leaven is work- 
ing well in his mind. Besides, I fear that he will 
wreak vengeance on them, and we must prevent him 
from killing them.” 

As the boys were leaving John they saw fifty of the 
warriors leave the Chief’s home, marching out of the 
village to the east. Muro entered the hut where 
John was staying, and announced that the Chief 
wished to see him. 


EETURN OF THE NATIVES 


67 


John continued with his work, after informing 
Mnro that he would soon visit the Chief. The hoys 
later saw John and Muro on their way to the ‘‘Pal- 
ace,’^ as Harry called the royal residence, and begged 
John’s permission to accompany them. 

The Chief received them with special marks of at- 
tention, and John thanked him for the invitation. 

^‘This is the day which the Wise Men have ap- 
pointed for the sacrifices, and the people are pre- 
paring the feast, in accordance with our custom. It 
is my wish that you shall he my guests, and take part 
in our ceremonies,” remarked the Chief. 

Muro, in behalf of John, thanked him for the in- 
vitation, and assured him that they would gladly 
join in the rites. Then, he continued: wish to 

inform you that we left at the seashore, on the other 
side of the island, some gifts which I am desirous 
of presenting to you. If you will order some of your 
men to accompany my guides they will bring them 
back. ’ ’ 

The Chief’s eyes lighted up with pleasure. Im- 
mediately, a detail of men were designated, and a 
half dozen of John’s warriors, under the leadership 
of Muro, were requested to proceed to the landing. 

The people saw the company depart with the great- 
est wonder and curiosity. Muro was instructed to 
leave a message at the landing, and return with the 
packages as soon as possible. They reached the 
landing place within two hours, and were rejoiced 
to see the Pioneer anchored not far from the shore. 

Stut was recognized at once, but Sutoto had re- 
mained at Wonder Island. The packages were taken 
to the Pioneer, and Muro informed Stut that they 


68 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


would sail around the island and land near the vil- 
lage. The men from the village were awe stricken 
at the sight of the vessel, and it was difficult to get 
their consent to embarking but were soon persuaded, 
when presented with some of the gifts, which Muro 
knew would be acceptable. 

An hour after the last interview in the Chief ^s 
home, the boys saw the warriors, who had formerly 
left the Chief’s home, marching down the street of 
the village, and guarding the Korinos who had 
formed part of the Chief escort earlier in the day. 

They were quite different now in demeanor, and 
the boys thought they looked crestfallen. They were 
ushered into the Chief’s presence without any cere- 
mony. 

They stood there like criminals, and felt that their 
doom was sealed. ‘‘I have sent for you,” he said, 
‘‘because this is the day you have selected for the 
ceremonies. Where are the prisoners to be sacri- 
ficed?” 

They were silent. The Chief continued: “You 
have told us that the G-reat Spirit asks for the sac- 
rifices each year when the sun is leaving us, and 
when the moon is hiding behind the vail. Bring the 
captives so they may be offered up. ’ ’ 

Instantly the Korinos brightened up, and muttered 
a few words. The Chief gave an order, and they 
were marched out of the building. Out of curiosity, 
the boys followed. Their steps were directed to the 
stockade where the prisoners had been confined. 

To their dismay they saw only the ashes, and were 
staggered at the sight. They stood there with won- 


EETUEN OF THE NATIVES 


69 


dering eyes. The boys could see that this was a con- 
dition wholly unexpected by them, and it must be 
said that there was pity in the hearts of Harry and 
George, as the leader gave the order for them to re- 
turn to the ^ ‘ Palace. ’ ’ 

As they entered John and the Chief were engaged 
in an animated conversation, and when the latter 
saw the Korinos, he stood up and asked for the vic- 
tims. 

^‘They are not there was the only response. 

The Chief, not affecting to believe, told them that 
they were lying to him. They fell to their knees, 
but were mute. 

‘‘But the Great Spirit must not be deceived. 
Great evil will fall upon us if he is not appeased. 
If you cannot find the victims I will do so. ’ ' 

The Chief’s voice was terrible in its anger. Out- 
side of their dark homes the Korinos were subject 
to the Chief’s will. Within the caves they knew no 
fear. The boys looked at Uraso and John. A slight 
smile could be seen on Uraso ’s face, as he returned 
the gaze of the boys; but John’s face was immobile, 
and did not in the least appear to portray any con- 
cern. 

“ It is my order that you shall be the victims, and 
must be offered up as the sacrifices to prevent the 
anger of the Great Spirit.” 

This doom was pronounced in a voice so full of 
anger that its significance was instantly divined by 
the boys, although they could not understand all of 
the words which he uttered. 

They were instantly seized and bound, and being 
now in a helpless condition, were carried out of the 


70 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


building, and, with the most brutal force conveyed 
by the guard to a but not far from the Palace, and 
literally thrust into the small opening which formed 
the entrance. 

^‘Do you suppose they will kill them?” asked 
Harry, as he moved to the side of Uraso. 

think the Chief means what he says,” and 
Uraso gave a .little smile that somewhat assured 
them. 

‘^No; I don’t think John will let the Chief kill 
them, ’ ’ responded George. 

After the removal of the Korinos John asked 
whether it would be possible to defer the ceremonies 
until the following day, for the reason that he de- 
sired to distribute the gifts which the men were 
bringing from the landing. 

^Hf the White Chief so desires it shall be done.” 

John manifested his pleasure at the consent thus 
obtained. 

George and Harry now wandered into every part 
of the village. For the first time they noticed that 
it was located at the western edge of a beautiful 
grove, thickly wooded, with tall trees. 

Through this they walked, and before they 
emerged were delighted at the sight of the great 
ocean beyond. wonder if John knows we are so 
near?” 

They ran to the beach, delighted to have an op- 
portunity for a bath, but were surprised to see many 
along the shore with small bags. 

^^They are searching for something,” remarked 
Harry. wonder what it can be?” 

‘^Possibly clams. Don’t you remember the first 


EETUEN OF THE NATIVES 


71 


week when we lived on clams, after we reached Won- 
der Island ? What delightful days we had ; and how 
afraid we were of every noise, and used to start up at 
every new sound/’ 

‘^And wasn’t it a joy to make the new things, and 
see every day bring new wonders to us after we 
moved to the Cataract?” 

have a love for that old home. We were so 
happy there. I know I am not happier now when 
we own all the treasures of the caves, than when we 
were building the water wheel, and the little shop, 
and tending the yaks,” answered G-eorge, as he gazed 
across the sea, and thought of the glorious times and 
of their wonderful adventures. 

When they saw the streams of people coming from 
the shore they recalled that the people were prepar- 
ing for the feast. It was remarkable that clams 
were an article of food with these people when those 
on the island they had just left, despised all fish 
and sea food. 

They wandered along the beach, fully a mile south 
of the village, and quite out of reach of the people, 
and were soon in the mild surf. After a half hour 
of this enjoyment they dressed, and ascended a slight 
elevation from which could be seen the character of 
the land along the sea. 

To the north and south of their position the land 
was much higher, the northern portion having the 
appearance of very high hills, if not mountains. 

‘‘Do you think John was thinking about the caves 
when the guards brought in the Korinos?” remarked 
George, as they were descending the ridge. 

“I thought of it,” answered Harry. “But I 


72 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


learned from Muro that he knew where they made 
their homes T’ 

‘^Then he must have watched them, as John sug- 
gested 

‘‘No ; one of the men told him just before he left.’’ 

‘ ‘ What did he say 1 ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ That they should follow the trail to the north of 
the grove until they reached the sea. ’ ’ 

“Then Muro must know that the sea is near?” 

“I think he does.” 

During the descent from the hill the ocean was 
visible directly to the east. Both, at the same in- 
stant, caught sight of a sail. They gasped in sur- 
prise, as they gazed at the unusual spectacle. 

“I would like to know who that can be,” queried 
Harry. “Let us tell John and then get something 
so we can signal it. ’ ’ 

They rushed down the hill, and ran hurriedly 
through the streets of the village, to the surprise 
of the inhabitants. First going to the Chief’s house, 
without finding him, they went to the improvised 
hospital where the wounded Korinos were being 
cared for. 

There John was found, together with TJraso and 
the Chief. “We have seen a sail,” shouted George. 
“We want something to use as a signal.” John 
bounded up, and TJraso rushed out and soon fished 
out a white cloth, and ran down through the grove 
after the boys. 

Three hundred feet to the right was a slight ele- 
vation, which the boys had noticed, and as it was de- 
void of trees offered the most available place for the 
signal fiag. They scurried around for some pole 


EETUEN OF THE NATIVES 73 

which would answer, and to this the white cloth was 
quickly attached. 

John was the last to reach the signaling point. 
He was laughing immoderately, as he noticed the 
frantic signaling. ‘‘Where are your field glasses, 
George ? ’ ’ 

“They are in the village. I forgot about them.’^ 

“If you had used them you would not be surprised 
at the visitor.’’ 

The hoys stopped signaling for a moment, and 
then looked at the ship. 

“It isn’t possible that is the Pioneer?’^ 

“Look again, for yourself; don’t you know your 
own work?” 

The ship had seen the signal, and now turned. 
Then they recognized the grand little vessel, that 
was almost a part of themselves, for they had worked 
many months to complete her, and had tried to put 
good luck and best wishes into every plank and spar 
and sail. 

The Chief, too, was coming. The whole village 
joined to welcome the ship, for when Uraso told the 
Chief that their own ship was coming, he could not 
resist the temptation to witness the arrival. 

Was it possible that Muro reached the landing 
place before the ship left ? J ohn thought so, but the 
boys doubted it. Muro left before noon, and it was 
now past five in the evening. 

As the vessel neared the shore the people lined up 
and the boys crowded close to the shore. They were 
the first to recognize Muro, to their great delight. 
He waved his hand to them, and Stut was by his 
side. 


74 TREASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


^^Good old Stnt!’^ shouted George. ‘‘Where is 
SutotoU’ , 

“In W'onder Island was the response. 

They were disappointed at this, bnt there was too 
much for them to think about, as the anchor was be- 
ing swung, and as soon as it dropped, a boat was low- 
ered from each side, and the men began to descend 
from the short ladder, while the village people 
watched the proceeding with silent wonderment. 

Muro was the first to touch the shore, and then 
came the villagers who were on the mission with 
Muro. They were the heroes to their friends. They 
knew their duty to their Chief, however, and the lat- 
ter had a most animated conversation with them, and 
particularly so after he had noticed the array of 
trinkets which Muro had bestowed on them. 

While this was going on the boats returned and 
bundles and packages were brought out of the ship 
and deposited in the boats. After they had been 
taken from the boats, John said: “With your per- 
mission I will take these things to your house. ’’ 

The Chief assented, and on his orders the men in 
the village gathered up the assortment of gifts and 
the procession filed along the path to the village. 

The feast that evening reminded them of the wel- 
come which the Chief Beralsea extended to them the 
second night after their arrival at Venture Island. 
Besides the clams referred to there was an abun- 
dance of fish, several varieties, besides game and 
meats, and the only thing Which they seemed to lack, 
or which was rather meager in quantity, was fruit. 

Like all natives of these islands, they were experts 
at spitting the meats. The most delicious was a 


EETURN OF THE NATIVES 


75 


species of ground hog, that the boys frequently 
caught on Wonder Island. The hoys had watched 
the method of roasting these animals. 

A strong green tapering stick, about four feet 
long was selected, and the bark was peeled otf, so as 
to give it a smooth surface. The small end of this 
was sharpened, and driven through the animal, from 
end to end, so that it was held firmly on the stick, 
midway between its ends. 



Two forked posts were then driven into the 
ground, about three feet apart, and the stick laid 
in the forks. A fire of wood, previously built be- 
tween the posts was permitted to accumulate a quan- 
tity of coal, and when a hot fire was thus generated, 
one of the natives would continuously rotate the stick, 
so that the heat affected all sides evenly, and the 
result would he the most tempting roast imaginable. 
This is a practice common with savages all over the 
world, varying only in the details of the preparations. 

All the vegetables were roasted, in hot coals. In 
118 


76 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


this respect their custom was different from the prac- 
tice followed in Venture Island, for there they knew 
how to make stews. Here they knew nothing about 
pottery, but like all islanders in the South Seas, the 
wrecks would, occasionally cast cooking utensils, like 
pots, or pans, ashore, and these highly-prized articles 
were sure to be taken by the Chiefs, or by the Krish- 
nos themselves, where they could get them by stealth. 

Unlike the natives of Wonder Island, they had po- 
tatoes, the wild variety which the boys found the sec- 






ond day after they were cast ashore. The Taro root, 
that vegetable which grows in the greatest abundance 
in every section south of the Equator, to the lower 
border of the south temperate zone, was the chief 
dish, and was also roasted in like manner. 

What surprised them most was a drink that 
pleased John, who at once recognized its origin. 
They called it Arialad, and George declared it was a 
fine quality of Sarsaparilla. 


EETURN OF THE NATIVES 


77 


‘‘You are correct/^ said John. “Its real botani- 
cal name is Arialace. It belongs to the same family 
as spikenard and ginseng. Very few natives know 
of its value. It is both a medicine and a refreshing 
drink. ’ ’ 

“ If it grows in abundance here it would be a good 
thing to gather for export,” observed Harry. 

“A boat load of the roots would be worth a for- 
tune,” rejoined John. 

There was the utmost good fellowship among all 
present. In accordance with the custom among most 
of these people the women did not partake of the 
food in the presence of the men. They acted as the 
servants in serving the food, but the men prepared 
the meal, a sort of well-balanced family arrangement, 
as George observed. 

‘ ‘ But who washes the dishes ? ^ ^ asked Harry with a 
laugh, in which all joined. 


CHAPTER VI 

THE SAVAGE CEBEMONIALS 


The next day was the one appointed for the cere- 
monies. The boys were expectant, because during 
all their experiences in the islands, this was the first 
time they had an opportunity to witness one of these 
spectacles. 

It was noticed that no preparations were made for 
a morning meal by the natives. All were specially 
garbed for the occasion, if the colored decorations 
counted for anything in the way of additional cloth- 
ing. 

They were adepts in the art of weaving cloth, 
which was made in small sections, and sewn together, 
similar to the practice in most of these primitive 
countries. They were not altogether devoid of 
knowledge pertaining to dyes, the most frequent be- 
ing blue, which John soon ascertained came from 
some copper deposits. 

The Madder plant was the most common on the 
island, and this afforded a red color, the most last- 
ing of all dyes, and the most generally in use through- 
out the civilized world, until the aniline dyes took 
its place. 

For black they resorted to the common method 
of using carbon which is the stock material in our 
own country. This was produced by them from 
78 


THE SAVAGE CEEEMONIALS 


79 


burnt wood, and not from any of the coal products. 

Their faces were painted a hideous red and blue, 
principally in the nature of great zig-zag stripes, and 
the exposed parts of the bodies were of diverse fig- 
ures, some of them really artistic. The preparation 
of these personal decorations consumed the greater 
portion of the night, as the boys afterwards learned. 

When they emerged from their hut in the morning, 
and saw the grotesque figures all about the village, 
they could hardly repress a smile ; but as every one 
was smiling and happy, they did not have to make 
any pretentions, but .smiled and laughed as the men 
and women circled about, because they couldnT help 
themselves. 

The women were not so gaudily attired as the men. 
Their decorations were expended on clothing, as it 
was not considered good form to decorate their 
bodies. 

All the men carried spears, and many of them were 
wicked-looking instruments. What surprised them 
was the fact that all the spear-points were now cov- 
ered over, or bound up by colored material, forming 
a sort of sphere, ta which three colored streamers 
were attached, one white, one red and the other blue. 

‘‘My, but they are patriotic P’ remarked George, as 
he saw the design and the streamers. 

John smiled, as he observed them. “But do you 
notice that the point of the spear is covered T’* 

“I was about to ask the meaning of that,^’ said 
Harry. 

“This is the day of feasting and of sacrifices. 
The covered point indicates that there is peace ; and 
that no one can commit an injury. I imagine the 


80 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


points will be uncovered quickly enough the moment 
they are ready for the sacrifices/’ 

am more interested in the fact that they use the 
American colors. I wish we had one of the flags 
here. That idea has just struck me as being the 
proper thing.” And George danced about at the 
scheme. 

Harry was just as much affected now. ‘^Wliy not 
consult Uraso and Muro, and bring over the big flag 
from the ship?” 

J ohn laughed at the idea. ‘ ‘ A brilliant idea. The 
flag will be a big attraction, but I warn you that if 
you get it I shall have to insist that you must head 
the procession with it.” 

‘‘Are we going to have a procession?” 

“I believe that is the first thing on the list.” 

“But where is the procession going? Is it the 
custom to march along the principal streets and out 
along the boulevards ? ’ ’ 

This idea was so laughable to Harry and Uraso 
and Muro, that they had a fit of laughter. The two 
Chiefs were just like boys, and entered in to the spirit 
of the undertaking with a vim that pleased the boys. 

They fairly flew to the landing, and manned the 
boat. “We have come for the flag,” announced 
George, as Stut was looking on the excitable boys. 

“Why not take both of them?” responded Stut. 

“Certainly,” answered Harry. “I had forgotten 
about the other. And while we are about it, why not 
have the band come along?” 

This was answered by a shout. One of the new 
acquirements of the natives of Wonder Island, was 
music, and when the boys returned from the States 


THE SAVAGE CEEEMONIALS 


81 


they brought along several fine sets of hand instru- 
ments, one set of which was always on the vessel, and 
was used for evening concerts. 

‘‘Where is ManoT^ asked Harry. 

Mano was the leader of the ship ’s hand, but he was 
not to he found. 

“John sent for Mano an hour ago, and he is now 
in the village. ’ ’ 

“Then send for him at once. Tell him he must 
he here as soon as John is through with him,” said 
George. 

While the flags were being wrapped up one of the 
small boats came from the shore, and Mano stepped 
out. 

Harry ran up and said: “Get the hoys and the 
instruments ready. You must play for us to-day 
during the ceremonies.” 

Mano smiled as he answered: “John told me 
about it last night, and I went over merely to find 
out what music I should take. ^ ^ 

“So John tried to steal a march on us!” remarked 
Harry. “How soon will you be ready!” 

“We are all ready now. I was told at the Chief’s 
house that the procession would start in a half hour. ’ ’ 

When the flags were brought out it was Mano’s 
time to stare. “I think,” he said, “that will sur- 
prise John, but the idea is a proper one.” 

The band comprised nine musicians and the 
two drummers. The moment they landed the band 
formed four abreast, and directly behind were the 
two boys with the Stars and Stripes. To the tune 
of “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean,” they marched 
straight to the home of the Chief. 


82 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


The crashing music, and the magnificent flags 
brought pandemonium to that savage village. Noth- 
ing like it had ever been known before. Long before 
the band reached the Palace all the inhabitants of the 
town had rushed down, and at Uraso’s and Muro’s 
suggestion the people followed behind, and thus made 
a procession which was the most unique that it was 
possible to describe. 

‘‘That scheme will make a success of the cere- 
monies,’’ remarked George, almost too full for utter- 
ance. ‘ ‘ Why the thing wouldn ’t be a success without 
the flags and the music.” 

‘ ‘ I wonder how the thing will fit in when it comes 
to the sacrifices this afternoon? I imagine the 
Korinos ought to feel like dying when they are to 
have such an unusual funeral procession?” Harry 
said this with a bit of irony, as he turned to George 
and grinned at the idea. 

John knew what was coming, but the Chief didn’t. 
He and John came out together, when they heard the 
music. The boys, behind the band could not see the 
great sights that were taking place in the rear, but 
John stood there beside the big Chief, and was simply 
convulsed with laughter. 

The natives were not walking. They were danc- 
ing, and the Chief, at first astounded at the music, 
and at the waving flags, soon joined John in laughter 
as they witnessed this remarkable scene. 

IJraso had taken part in numerous celebrations at 
Unity, and knew what disposition to make of the peo- 
ple when they arrived. The band marched past, and 
John raised his hand in the form of a salutation, 
and the Chief noticing this imitated him. 


THE SAVAGE CEEEMONIALS 83 

‘ ‘ The old fellow is learning rapidly how to do the 
correct thing/ ^ suggested Harry. 

‘‘Yes; John will have him in a swallow-tail coat 
before night.’’ 

The band marched past, and then turned around 
and came back, and as fast as the people came up 
Uraso and Muro directed them where to stand, so 
that when the band stopped they formed a large 
semi-circle facing the Chief and John. 

The boys walked forward so they stood with the 
flags midway between the band and the Chief. The 
latter motioned for the band to continue. John un- 
derstood, and a new tune was struck up. The Chief 
was fascinated. When that tune was concluded, the 
Chief wanted another, quite forgetting the impor- 
tance of the ceremonial rites. 

While the last tune was being played the boys saw 
a tall man, with a huge spear, and a face most hide- 
ously painted. His body had characteristic stripes, 
entirely unlike those of the other people. Behind 
him marched the Korinos, without a sign or mark on 
them different from the costumes worn by them on 
the preceding day. 

As they filed along behind the leader, the boys 
noticed that the first one carried a thong-like rope: 
the second a knife ; the third a sort of vessel, and the 
fourth a pair of short sticks. 

The people paid no attention to them, while the 
band was playing, but when it ceased, it was evident 
that they shrunk back from these dreaded men. 

John beckoned Uraso and Muro to come forward, 
and the Chief welcomed them. “As chiefs of your 
tribes you should be here with us. The White Chief 


84 


TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


tells me that in his country the hand and the flag al- 
ways go first, and I have asked him to tell ns how we 
should march to the forest. ’ ’ 

John then told those present how the procession 
should form. The band was marched to the front, 
and George, who had the small flag, was placed di- 
rectly behind the hand. Then the Chief, with Uraso 
and Muro on either side, and directly behind them 
Harry took position with the large flag. 

After the flag the Korinos, without their tall 
leader, however, were placed in line. John then mo- 
tioned to the people to take their places following the 
Korinos, and the moment the column was thus formed 
the hand struck up a lively marching tune, and John 
accompanied by the tall fantastic leader, went ahead 
of the band. 

The leader knew, of course, where the procession 
must go, and he thus wisely made the arrangement 
for the occasion. The procession wended its way di- 
rectly to the north, along a well-beaten path, and 
after ascending a hill, turned to the left, and entered 
a sort of grove. 

The hoys were delighted to notice the magnificent 
Magnolia trees in full bloom, the flowers of which 
surpassed anything they had ever seen, and the per- 
fume was almost overpowering in its intensity. 

To the boys this peculiar procession had something 
mysterious about it. Neither John, nor the two 
Chiefs had any idea of its significance. John di- 
rected a questioning look toward the articles which 
the Korinos carried. 

When the crest of the hill was reached they made 
one complete circle, and the head of the column 


THE SAVAGE CEREMONIALS 


85 


stopped before the most magnificent magnolia tree 
in the grove. The leader marched along the line 
and the people soon formed themselves into a circle 
with the tree in the center. 

All chatter had stopped. While ascending the hill, 
and up to this time, there was a never ending clatter 
of voices ; hut now all were quiet, and gazed to the 
top of the tree. The tall leader, at the nod of the 
Chief came forward and approached the tree, and 
with the long spear struck it three times, and then 
turned to the Korinos, who had now followed him. 

Then, he turned again, and struck the tree three 
times more, and this was repeated the third time. 
After stepping hack he raised the spear, and held it 
over the head of the Korino who carried the rope. 
The latter stepped to the tree and with a dextrous 
throw sent a coil of rope over the first limb and 
caught the other end of it. 

The spear was then laid over the head of the man 
with the knife, and he sprang forward grasping the 
rope, and when the spear was poised on high, he 
gracefully crept hand over hand up the rope. 

The instant the man’s hand seized the rope the 
people fell to the ground and covered their faces. 
The hoys did not want to lose this part of the cere- 
mony, you may be sure, hut they tried to observe 
the rites. 

A side glance was sufficient to assure them that the 
Chief did not kneel, nor did either John, Uraso or 
Muro; but they were privileged characters, so the 
boys went through the ceremony by peering through 
their fingers, and at the same time trying to find out 
whether there were not others trying to do the same. 


86 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


The man went up and up, and soon emerged from 
the last spare branches at the top, until his face was 
near the great white flower which grew on the tip. 

think that is the flower all the people were look- 
ing at,’’ said George in a whisper. 

The man raised the knife, and with one slash 
severed the stem. Then, raising himself up to his 
full height, so his body could be plainly seen, he 
waved the flower about his head three times, and the 
leader at the base of the tree again struck the trunk 
three times. 

Immediately the people arose and placed their 
hands before them exactly like a bather on a perch 
about to dive, and with the palms of the hands thus 
placed against each other, the arms were raised to a 
vertical position, and lowered three times. 

With hands still in their lowered position, and eyes 
cast on the ground, the Korino in the tree slowly de- 
scended, and the one who threw the rope quickly de- 
tached it from the tree. 

The spear was then placed over the head of the 
man with the sticks. He crossed his legs and sat 
down, and with an exceedingly rapid motion, soon 
caused smoke to arise, and then a tiny flame ap- 
peared. 

‘‘Why didn’t they tell us about it, and we could 
have let them use some of our matches,” said George 
dryly, as Harry made a great show of indignation 
at the irrelevant remark. 

A fire was quickly kindled, and the man with the 
bowl knelt down, after fixing two stones on op- 
posite sides of the fire. From a small receptacle he 
took a powder, and dropped it into the bowl, and 


THE SAVAGE CEREMONIALS 87 

after holding the flower aloft, the man who took it 
from the tree, dropped it into the smoking bowl. 

Instantly the people resumed their natural poses, 
and began to dance. The Chief spoke a word to 
Uraso, and the band struck up a lively tune. Then, 
to the ringing blare of the band, and the shrieks 
and shouts of the people the dance began. It was 
one continuous whirl, and many of them became 
frenzied. 

The Chief himself participated in this part of the 
ceremony, and swung himself around and around in 
a giddy whirl. During all this time each fellow was 
for himself. They did not have partners as in the 
civilized dances. 

The tangoing was an individual effort, and each 
enjoyed it in his own way, but they all kept step to 
the music, showing the savage characteristic of being 
able to observe rhythmic effects. 

The boys caught the spirit of the occasion, and 
joined in the wild swirl. Uraso and Muro were at it, 
and the sole spectator was John, who said that he felt 
too old to learn the new steps. 

When the band stopped the people rested, but there 
was no disposition to break up the merry party, and 
when the music again struck up the whole scene was 
acted over again. It was noon before the grand ball 
ceased. 

Then, at a sign from the Chief the procession re- 
formed, and went back over the trail, the people 
dancing all the way, and, apparently, without exhibit- 
ing any signs of weariness, ^though it must be stated 
that the band was nearing collapse, when the people 
dispersed. 


CHAPTEE VII 

SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIVE BITES 

As heretofore stated, there had been no morning 
meal, and the dancing must have been a trying task, 
under those conditions. 

‘‘It would have been much better if we had some- 
thing to eat before this part of the ceremony. I am 
so hungry I could eat anything,’’ remarked George, 
as they neared the village. 

“The natives do not think so. That is part of the 
ceremony. It must be carried out before a meal is 
taken,” answered John, “or it will not have the 
proper effect.” 

Uraso overheard the remark, and he added: 
‘ ‘ The Chief said they had never known such a scene 
as took place to-day, and that it was not a part of 
the regular ceremony to have the dancing at that 
time, but that the wonderful music seemed to win 
every one.” 

“I heard him say it was the first time in years 
that he had danced. How he enjoyed it,” remarked 
Muro. “I admit that it was the best dance I had 
since the boys got back. That was a big time at 
[Unity when you returned.” 

“I think,” said Harry, “that was the queerest per- 
formance I ever heard of. What a foolish thing to 
cut a flower from the top of a tree, and go through 
88 


SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIVE EITES 89 


all that ceremony, using Old Fantastic with his flour- 
ishing spear to conduct the ridiculous rites. ’ ’ 

‘‘Do you think it is any more foolish than many 
things which civilized people doT^ asked John. 

Harry mused a while, and then continued : ‘ ‘ Prob- 
ably not, when I think of it, but with us the cere- 
monies really mean something; at least, it seems 
to me that they are intended to. ^ ’ 

“Yes, and that is generally so with the native rites. 
Sometimes the origin is rather obscure, but every- 
thing of this character comes from something in the 
past, of which it is symbolic. Spencer, in his work 
on ‘Evolutions of Ceremonial Forms of Govern- 
ment,’ recites a curious instance of this, where he 
shows that the habit of stroking the mustache is a 
survival of scalping. ’ ’ 

The boys laughed. “That must be pretty well 
far-fetched,” responded George. 

‘ ‘ Do you think so ? ” answered J ohn. ‘ ‘ He reasons 
it in this way. It was, formerly the custom, among 
most savage tribes, to take the hair of victims, to be 
used as personal adornment, or to indicate the valor 
of the warrior. Among some tribes in the Philip- 
pines and also in the interior of Africa, the custom 
is to take the head of an enemy. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Do you mean the Head hunters ? ’ ’ 

“Yes ; you have probably heard a great deal about 
them since we acquired the Philippines. When men 
began to get a little higher in the scale of civilization, 
the victor required some token of submission from 
the conquered, so the latter plucked a wisp of hair 
from his head and presented it to indicate defeat. 
During the seventeenth century it was the rule of the 


90 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


Spanish Court that all inferiors, in addressing su- 
periors, must stroke the mustache, and this came 
from the old idea of the hair token. ’ ^ 

‘ ‘ Do you suppose that the taking of the flower has 
any particular significance ? ’ ’ 

‘‘Most assuredly! There must be a flower before 
there can be fruit. This is the beginning of the sea- 



T77P. MiAtlstve , 


son or the beginning of the year, to these people, 
and the largest-flower, at the top of the greatest 
tree is the one taken while it is at full bloom, and 
incinerated.’’ 

“Is that what they did in that bowl-shaped ves- 
sel?” 

“Yes, and I imagine they will use the ashes in some 
part of their rites.” 

“Did you ever know of other tribes that do any- 
thing like that?” 


SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIVE EITES 91 


‘‘Yes ; very many; in fact most savage tribes have 
some sort of rites which they scrupulously follow 
out as a religious duty. Ancient history records 
many such practices in detail. Thus, the Druids, 
a peculiar class, or order of priests, which existed 
among the Celtic races, attributed a sacred or mystic 
character to plants, and venerated the oak tree. ’ ^ 

“I have read that they offered up human sacri- 
fices, ’ ’ said Harry. 

“Yes; I was coming to that. But do you know 
that they regarded the mistletoe as an antidote 
for all poisons and a cure for all diseases? 
At certain seasons in the year it would be 
gathered, and with the greatest ceremonies one of 
the priests would ascend the tree on which it was 
found, and cut it off with a golden knife.’’ 

“But is the mistletoe found on the Oak?” 

“Yes; but it grows more frequency on the Apple 
tree. The seeds are distributed by birds, and owing 
to the fact that it is found so infrequently on the 
oak, the Druids considered it peculiarly sacred on 
that account.” 

The delicious odor of the roasted food, which met 
the people on their return, was a compensation for 
the lack of the morning breakfast. The Chief had 
invited John, Uraso, Muro, the two boys, and Stut, 
to accompany him to his home. 

There in the open court, if it might so be called,, 
were the viands in the greatest profusion. They 
were surprised to see that at each place was a couch, 
and before every visitor was laid a bountiful supply 
of food. In all their wanderings George and Harry 

119 


92 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


never ate with a greater relish than on the present 
occasion. 

The meal the previous day, was not at all com- 
parable to this. It would have vied with many a 
meal set before our civilized gastronomies. The 
table implements, it is true, were not found in pro- 
fusion, but the wooden forks, or prongs were good 
substitutes for the more refined articles, and for 
plates hollowed bark sections were found serviceable. 

The Sarsaparilla drink was the most favored 
liquid. wish we had some ice for it,’’ suggested 
Harry. ^‘It wiU be a good thing to bring over some 
ice for the Chief. I think he would enjoy it.” 

‘‘By the way, Harry, did you see what they did 
with the KorinosT’ 

“No.” 

“Shut them up in that dark hole back of the 
house.” 

“I wonder if they have given them anything to 
eat?” 

‘ ‘ Oh, no ! ” said Muro. ‘ ‘ They are to be sacrificed 
this afternoon, and it wouldn’t do to feed them.” 

“Poor fellows!” remarked George, as he gazed 
vacantly before him, lost in contemplation. 

“Well, they have been found out, and will now be 
dealt with in accordance with their law.” 

“Was that tall fellow one of them?” 

“Yes ; he is the principal chief of the Korinos. Do 
you know they tried to escape last night?” exclaimed 
Uraso. 

“Is that so? Where could they go in safety on 
this island?” 

“To their caves, of course,” remarked Harry. 


SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIVE RITES 93 


‘‘Yes,’^ added Uraso, ‘‘tHe Chief Has no authority 
under ground.’’ 

The people gorged; so did the Chief. The meal 
was a course dinner, at least so far as the time it 
took to get through with all the dishes, and the hoys 
smiled as they saw the Chief slowly sink down, and 
pass otf into oblivion. 

J ohn sat there, gazing on him, and slowly nodding 
his head at the spectacle. He did not evince disgust, 
and when George spoke to him about this peculiar 
savage trait, he remarked: ‘‘Is he any worse than 
many people in our own country, who do the same 
thing? This is not gluttony with the savage; he 
knows no better. This is one of the great enjoy- 
ments of life which the savage knows. Teach him 
something better and he will respond. ’ ’ 

“When you stop to think of it,” replied George, 
“I really don’t see why it is such an awful thing to 
eat until you are stuffed to sleepiness?” 

“The real argument against it is on sanitary 
grounds,” suggested John. “We regard gluttony 
as bad because it is a selfish exhibition of taste and 
habits, and in this I quite agree ; but among savages 
the custom of regularity in habits is not one of their 
understood laws. I have known North American 
Indians who could each devour from six to eight 
pounds of beef, and drink two quarts of coffee at one 
sitting. But those men would not eat another meal 
for three days.” 

During the meal hour there was a continual round 
of merriment, and every one was enjoying himself 
to the fullest extent. But now the hum of voices 
ended. The boys were surprised. 


94 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 

''They are taking their noon-day siestas/’ said 
John, laughing. 

The hoys arose and passed out. It was true, in- 
deed. The men, and women too, were taking naps 
everywhere, the grotesque figures lying where they 
had eaten their food. 

They made a tour. No one appeared to take any 
notice of them, as they passed through the open 



<3. T2lb 


places between the huts, because all of the food was 
eaten in the open, and not within the huts. The vil- 
lage looked like one immense picnic ground. 

As they were returning toward the Chief’s house 
they caught sight of the hut in which the Korinos 
were confined. To their astonishment two of them 
were crawling out the enclosure, and the leader was 
particularly noticeable, peering from the side of the 
hut. 


SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIVE EITES 95 


Shall we give the alarm T’ asked Harry. 

‘‘No, no! See John; he will know what to do.” 

As they passed the hut the guards lay in blissful 
sleep, and seeing this the boys rushed in and ex- 
citedly told John of the jail delivery and the advisa- 
bility of giving the alarm. 

He held up his hand, in caution, as he smiled at 
the announcement. “Do you want the poor fellows 
to be sacrificed!” 

“By no means.” 

“Then let them go. Possibly the Chief may find 
some way to get them back. ^ ’ 

Two hours later the village took on another aspect. 
It was now about five o^clock in the afternoon, but 
in the meantime boy-like they had investigated every 
part of the surrounding scenery, being particularly 
interested in the monkeys which were seen in the 
trees everywhere. 

The most amusing to the boys was a small animal 
that had a “beard all around his face,” as George 
expressed it. It was small, hardly exceeding a foot 
in height, a sort of olive-gray color, and a round tail 
twice the length of the body. 

‘ ‘ I think I know what you have reference to, ’ ^ sug- 
gested John, when appealed to. “It is the Jacchus, 
and is related to the Marmozets and the Tamarins. 
They are very active, like squirrels, and live on nuts, 
seeds, roots and fruit.” 

The Chief awakened as the boys entered, and 
within the next half hour was ready for the continu- 
ance of the festival. 

“I should like to know what the next thing is on 
the programme! This is a little inconvenient, not 


96 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


knowing jnst what is going to take place, was 
George ^s observation. 

John will know if any one does, but I suppose he 
is too busy now with his Eoyal Highness,’^ answered 
Harry with a laugh. 

But the boys were not kept long in suspense. The 
natives understood, as it appeared, for they were 
soon congregated around the Palace, and now for 
the first time the boys noticed a large, imposing- 
looking native, who carried an immense knotted club. 
To satisfy the reader’s curiosity, it may be weU to 
describe him. He wore a loin cloth, made of the 
skins of the small animals which were found all over 
the island, and, to all appearances, at least a half 
dozen different kinds of pelts were used to make up 
the garment, the ends, or corners of which hung down 
in points to form a fringe. 

At his ankles were two huge bands, made of cloth, 
and plentifully decorated with spangles of shells, 
and rows of nuts, strung on cords, like beads. 
Around his neck and trailing dowm the back was a 
collar of interwoven leaves, very artistically ar- 
ranged, if judged from the viewpoint of savage dec- 
orations. 

The head dress was unique, being made up of . a 
band of coarsely-woven cloth, literally covered with 
large fish scales, and a pyramidal structure was fas- 
tened to this band, and extended up beyond the cro^vn 
for a foot, or more. At its apex was a mass of 
streamers, which fluttered around as the breeze 
floated by. 

The weapon was fully five feet long, the head of 
the club, for such it was, terminated in a gnarled 


SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIVE EITES 97 


knot, bristling with small points. This the hoys rec- 
ognized to he somewhat similar to the wicked thing 
that was carried by the Korino when he sought to 
slay Tarra. 

The Chief was also differently attired. He was 
literally covered with clothing, the different parts 
being dyed with various colors without any regard 
to harmony, or design. Like all the others he wore 
no foot covering, but had bare feet. 

The crown was also a cloth band, but this was 
surrounded by vertically-arranged thorns, huge 
things that showed their bristling points, and wound, 
or rather braided around them, were garlands of hu- 
man hair, of different hues. 

The Eoyal wand was an immense black staff, fully 
two inches thick, and six feet long, one end of which 
was pointed, the other end terminating within a large 
calabash. This wand he held with the pointed end 
upward. 

When he appeared at the doorway the people fell 
down on their faces, and after a few words all arose, 
and the man with the club turned toward the hut 
where the Korinos were confined. Four of the 
largest warriors accompanied him, while the people 
looked on in expectancy. 

‘^The fun will now begin,’' whispered Harry, and 
it surely did. The club bearer returned with a trou- 
bled look, and addressed the Chief. 

The people soon learned of what had taken place, 
and the commotion was evident. They speedily lost 
all semblance of order, and began to run to and fro. 
The scowl on the face of the Chief was terrible, nor 
did he in the least attempt to conceal his anger. 


98 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


AVith a vehemence that caused the crowd to shiver, 
he gave a command, and in a moment three men were 
brought forward, almost in a state of collapse with 
terror written in their countenances. They were the 
unfortunate guards, as the hoys quickly saw. 

They were unable to answer the indictment of the 
Chief, because the escape had been as much of a 
surprise to them as to the Chief. Uraso and Muro 
were quick to recognize the situation, and they in- 
formed John of the progress of the conversation. 

The negligent guards had been condemned to take 
the places of the Korinos, as sacrifices. The rites 
demanded some victims, and the boys now saw that 
the escape of the Korinos would not avoid the carry- 
ing out of the bloody rites. 

The new victims-to-be were firmly bound, and 
placed in the center of the crowd, and, strangely 
enough, it was now noticed that the people expressed 
the same degree of hatred to the poor unfortunates 
that they had manifested toward the Korinos an hour 
before. 

The Chief was now at the head of the procession, 
which, instead of going to the north, passed along- 
side the slight elevation that led north of the grove, 
and toward the high elevation which the boys had 
noticed the day before. 

The march was but a short one, and when the 
upper level was reached the boys were astounded to 
see that beyond, and next to the hill, on the north, 
was an open space, the floor of which was of solid 
rock. This space covered nearly an acre, and near 
the center was a flat rocky table, fully ten feet in 


SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIVE EITES 99 


diameter and about four feet high, with a huge boul- 
der in the center of the table. 

The Chief and the victims marched directly to the 
stone table, the executioner tramping with a meas- 
ured tread immediately ahead of the victims. The 
people did not go near the rocky shelf, but circled 
about at a respectful distance. 


CHAPTEE Vni 


HYPNOTISM ON SAVAGES 

All those with the Chief’s party, approached the 
table, upon which the executioner mounted the rock, 
and stood there, as though inviting the admiration 
of the crowd. 

John spoke a few words to Uraso, and the latter 
addressed the Chief as follows : ‘ ‘ The White Chief 
says that to otfer these men as a sacrifice will be 
against the wishes of the Great Spirit, if they are 
destroyed by the weapon which is now in the hands 
• of the one on the rock. ’ ’ 

The Chief quickly turned. ‘‘What would the 
White Chief have me do? I cannot free these cul- 
prits, because it is the law that they shall die in 
place of those who are appointed to be the victims.” 

“The White Chief does not ask for their lives, 
but only that the manner of their death shall be 
changed.” 

“That shall be done. What is the White Chief’s 
wish?” 

‘ ‘ He will be the executioner. ’ ’ 

The Chief threw his arms around Uraso ’s neck, 
in raptures of joy, and turning to the man on the 
table, ordered him to descend. John quietly con- 
ferred with Uraso, and the latter mounted the table, 
and the prisoners were led up until they faced him. 

100 


HYPNOTISM ON SAVAGES 


101 


Uraso, addressing them, said: ‘‘You have been 
condemned by your Chief to die because you have 
deceived his people and brought sorrow on all. The 
Great White Chief has seen the misery you have 
caused by allowing the Korinos to escape, and you 
must now take their places as the victims to appease 
the Great Spirit.* 

“The White Chief has asked to be permitted to 
offer you up as sacrifices to his God, as well, and 
the WTiite Man’s death is a terrible one. When you 
die it will not cause you to go out of the world for- 
getting all that you may suffer, but you will always 
know and suffer through all time, and you will never 
know a day that is free from misery. 

“Your dying will be like a thousand deaths, and 
your living hours will be like fire that always burns 
and never consumes. ’ ’ 

Thus Uraso went on, and as he spoke the poor 
victims’ eyes grew greater and greater, and the ter- 
ror more pronounced. He ceased for a moment and 
John slowly walked to the table, and mounting it, 
said quietly to Uraso : ‘ ‘ Tell them that when I raise 
my hands over my head the ends of their living 
death will begin.” 

When this was imparted, the agony on their faces 
was pitiful to see. John advanced, and spread out 
his palms toward them, and quickly drew his hands 
toward him, and this was repeated three times. 

It is a curious thing that most savages believe 
in the mysticism of some particular number. In 
Africa some tribes, if they hear an animal cry four 
times, will brave any danger, as it is a sign that the 
bird has knowledge of safety to his person. 


102 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 

Others watch with great care the repetition of an 
insect ^s call, and particularly the number of times 
an unusual noise occurs, and the belief is somewhat 
analogous to the views which white people have 
about the cricket. Milton, Byron, Southey, and 
Dickens have written stories about them, so it is 
not to be wondered at that the poor benighted sav- 
ages should have some belief about such things. 

After the rites at the tree in the forest, it was 
evident that three was the cryptic, or mysterious 
number, and John used it on this occasion, for in 
all the peculiar signs that he had previously em- 
ployed, three was the number that impressed itself 
on the minds of the people, and it doubtless had its 
effect on the condemned. 

Slowly John moved from side to side, and he now 
saw the intense expression, as their eyes followed 
his every motion. His motions grew less and less 
rapid; he moved toward them, and then suddenly 
retreated, and through all these evolutions the three 
men’s faces became more and more tense, and finally 
the muscles of their faces relaxed, their eyes stared 
with a blank expression, and the motions of John al- 
most ceased. 

The boys looked about them. They, too, had a 
spell woven about them which they could not under- 
stand. It was the most remarkable feeling they had 
ever experienced. The multitude did not stir a 
limb. The Chief was rigid, his face colorless, lips 
parted, and eyes fixed at what he saw before him. 

Suddenly, John sprang forward, and raised both 
arms high above his head, and instantly the three 
men fell back and lay rigid, full length on the rock. 


HYPNOTISM ON SAVAGES 


103 


J ohn turned, but while there were forms before him, 
there was no sound. Hundreds of eyes gazed, but 
they stared mutely. 

feel awfully funny,’’ said Harry. 

^‘Do you know what John has been doing!” asked 
George. 

‘ ^ I know ; he has hypnotized the men ! ’ ’ 

‘^Yes; and everybody else!” 

When John turned, he waved his hand, the audi- 
ence relaxed its tension, and witnessed the death ( !) 
of the three men, an act performed by the White 
Chief without having touched them. The Chief 
slowly walked forward, and Uraso led him to the 
platform, while John pointed to the mute victims. 

John motioned to Uraso to raise the first man by 
lifting his feet while he grasped the shoulders, and 
when the body was lifted up it was perfectly rigid. 
The same exhibition was performed with the two 
others. That they were dead, was apparent to the 
Chief and the people. 

The people surged to and fro. John was a Korino 
now, in the eyes of the people. When the people 
pressed forward John spoke to Uraso, and he turned 
to the people. 

^^The White Chief says that there will be no more 
sacrifices, because the Great Spirit wills it other- 
wise. The Korinos must be brought from the 
caves — ” 

Uraso could get no further. The people were 
aroused. Their voices could be heard uttering 
threats against the witch doctors. 

John saw that they were determined to wreak 
vengeance upon them, but he counseled them to be 


104 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


wise and obey their Chief, and that the Korinos 
would acknowledge their own error. 

The wives and children of the three guards were 
present, as they were compelled to be, and, as may 
well be imagined, their grief was terrible to behold. 

Uraso again spoke to the people, and said: ‘‘The 
White Chief intends to show that the Great Spirit 
does not wish sacrifices, and will give back the guards 
to their families.’’ 

When he ceased speaking John stooped forward, 
and waved his hands three times, the motion being 
formed by throwing his hands forward, palms down- 
ward, and then slowly raising them up, and with an 
upward and an outward swing, bringing them down 
again. 

Then he advanced forward a few feet and held out 
his arms horizontally, with the palms uppermost, 
and speaking a few words, the arms were impres- 
sively raised. As he did so the three men slightly 
turned, and then almost simultaneously raised them- 
selves to a sitting posture, and glanced about wildly. 

The consternation on the part of the natives at 
this sight was beyond all description. They were 
awe stricken, and dumbfounded. Not the slightest 
sound could be heard, as the men arose to their 
feet. 

The only ones who were joyously affected were 
the wives of the men who, at the words of Uraso, 
sprang forward and were about to ascend the rock, 
but at the command of John they leaped from the 
table, and the children gathered about them. 

The Chief did not utter a word of protest. He 
remained there utterly speechless. When John 


HYPNOTISM ON SAVAGES 


105 


asked him what was the next thing to he done to carn^ 
out the rites, he remained standing for some time 
without answering. 

When he had gathered together his faculties he 
turned to the people and said: ‘‘The Great White 
Chief has shown his power, and proven to us that 
our Korinos have lied to us. They must he de- 
stroyed. Let the people return to the village, and 
proceed with the feast. We shall be guided by the 
White Chief. ’ ^ 

This was, indeed, the effect that John wished to 
produce, but he did not also anticipate that the Chief 
would insist upon the destruction of the Korinos. 

The feast that afternoon was a repetition on a 
larger scale, of the feast of the day before. Indeed, 
this was now the third day of feasting. 

“I don’t know whether I can eat any more for a 
few days,” said Harry, as they neared the village, 
and saw the preparations going on. 

George laughed, as he responded: “We shall 
have to go through with this thing, whatever the 
cost. Have you forgotten that they believe in three 
for everything? Didn’t John make three passes to 
kill them ; and three more to bring them to life again! 
We have had two feasts, and must now have one 
more. I don’t know what the result will be if I eat 
half as much even, as I did yesterday.” 

John laughed heartily, as he added: “That is 
correct, too, about the feasts. Notice from this time 
on that about everything they do will be measured 
by threes.” 

As the boys afterwards remarked, they never 
knew how they got through the feast that day, but 


106 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


they tried to imitate John in partaking of the good 
things in moderation. 

It was late in the night when the natives ceased 
the dancing, which was the signal for the end of the 
festival, although in many respects it was entirely 
different from the previous ceremonies, as Uraso 
and Muro learned in talking with the natives. 

The next day was ushered in with a rainstorm, the 
first that was experienced on the island, and there 
was no opportunity to make any excursions. It had 
been John’s intention to settle the fate of the Ko- 
rinos, as he felt that this was a matter that should 
have his attention before they left on the further 
explorations of the island. 

Since it was impossible to venture out far from 
the village, John spent the most of the day attend- 
ing to the wounded and the sick, although they had 
not been neglected in the meantime, not even during 
the ceremonies of the past three days. 

The first visit was made to the quarters of the 
white man who was found in the stockade when they 
took possession of the village. It was evident from 
the greeting that he and John had had several con- 
versations previous to this visit, hut of this the latter 
did not advise the hoys. 

When they came into the room he was sitting up, 
and he greeted J ohn and the boys. He could speak, 
hut it was with a weak voice, and the hoys ranged 
themselves on one side while John seated himself 
on the other. 

‘ ‘ You told me yesterday, ’ ’ began John, ‘ ‘ that when 
you were shipwrecked you were cast ashore on an- 
other island. How many companions had youT’ 


HYPNOTISM ON SAVAGES 


107 


‘ ‘ Three, ’ ’ he answered. ‘ ‘ One of them was a large 
man, with brown hair and piercing eyes, who was 
formerly an officer in the navy, and was at that 
time engaged in an exploring capacity, and on his 
way to Anstralia.’^ 

‘ ^ Did he walk with a limp ? ’ ’ asked J ohn. 

The old man, as well as the boys, looked at John 
in surprise. He quickly answered: ‘^Yes; did you 
know himP^ 

‘‘No,’’ he replied; “hut wh found him less than a 
month ago.” 

The old man leaned forward in his eagerness. 
“Where is he!” he asked. 

“He is dead,” answered John, gravely. 

‘ ‘ Dead ! ” he exclaimed. ‘ ‘ Dead ! and do you know 
his name?” 

“No, hut we found his remains, together with the 
boat to which he had been tied, on the shore of an 
island south of this.” 

‘ ‘ Then it is true, after all ! ” he muttered. 

“Did you know about it?” asked John, who was 
the interested one now. 

“No, this is sad news to me. His name was Clif- 
ford, — Ealph S. Clifford, and when he and Walter 
undertook, — ” 

The boys were all impatience now, as George cried 
out : “Walter ! did you know Walter ? ’ ’ 

“Yes; he was my companion for a time. He and 
I were making explorations on the island on which 
we were wrecked, and when the two undertook to go 
on a search, to ascertain what the island was like, I 
was too ill to go with them. Walter returned, and 
told me of meeting with a band of savages on the 
120 


108 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


western side of the mountain, and of the capture of 
Cliiford by the natives/^ 

^^Did you know a man by the name of Wright I” 
‘^No, I never heard of any one by that name in 
this section of the globe.” 

‘^Do you know what became of Walter 
‘ ^ I was about to say, that we went north along the 
shore, and camped near the beach, and there found 
a boat, rather crudely made, with which we pro- 
posed sailing around the island. Before we could 
complete our arrangements, Walter disappeared.” 
‘‘Did he take the boat with him?” 

“No; the boat and aU his effects were still with 
me. I was still very ill, and I concluded to remain 
there until my strength returned, but four days 
afterwards, when I was able to move about, I found 
that the boat had disappeared.” 

The strain of the conversation appeared to affect 
him, and the three visitors stated they would call 
on him later for further information. 

When the boys returned to their huts, with John, 
the latter was quiet and very much reserved. The 
boys were so much interested in the story of the 
old man, that they could not wait until they were 
seated before they began to question him. 

“What do you think of his story?” asked Harry. 
John did not answer promptly, as was his habit. 
Instead, he reflected for some time, and at last said 
slowly: “The story may be true. Clifford was, in 
my opinion, tied to the boat and set adrift, and his 
death was due to that, unquestionably. ’ ^ 

“Do you think this man had anything to do with 
it?” asked George. 


HYPNOTISM ON SAVAGES 


109 


‘^So far, I have no direct reason for thinking so, 
hnt there are several very curious things about the 
story. ’ ’ 

‘‘What in particular do you have in mind!^’ 

“He said the boat was found on the seashore, and 
that Walter left without taking it with him, but that 
when he recovered the boat was gone.’^ 

“Is it an unreasonable story?’’ 

“That is not at all improbable. The tide might 
have washed it away, but, if it was our boat, and 
it was provided with the peculiar rope and the 
strange oars, that were found in it when it was re- 
covered by you, it would be interesting to know 
whether he or Walter put them there.” 

“Why is that so interesting to know?” 

‘ ‘ Because the rope found in that boat, is the same 
as the rope we took from Clifford’s body, which 
you discovered on Venture Island.” 

“If we could only find Walter now it would solve 
that mystery,” said Harry. “I don’t like to think 
that this man was instrumental in the Clifford trag- 
edy.” 

“ Nor do I, ” responded John. “ It is evident there 
is some connection between that boat and the skele- 
ton, and that our boat played a part in it.” This 
ended the conversation on this point. 

It will be remembered that two of the men rescued 
from the prison stockade, were natives of another 
tribe, who had been captured some weeks before. 
Upon inquiry John found that they had disappeared 
the day before. 

The two others, in a very emaciated condition, 
were still under John’s care, and rapidly improving. 


110 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


No attempts had been made to question them, and 
as it was the intention of the boys to commence the 
trip to the north, as soon as John had settled the 
matter with the Korinos, they were anxious to get 
some information from them concerning their tribe. 

Accompanying Uraso, and through him, they first 
learned that the people they were now living with 
were called Malosos, and that the Chief was named 
Ta Babeda, which meant the strong man. He was 
not so large as Beralsea, the Chief of Venture 
Island, but his muscles were more active, thus the 
boys could see that he rightly acquired the sceptre 
of chief ruler, as did Beralsea, because of the 
strength he possessed, and there was no one on the 
island to question his king-ship. 

While rambling about the boys and Uraso were 
informed that John wished to see them at the Chief 
house, and they went over without delay. Enter- 
ing the house, they were surprised to see that the 
different packages containing the presents had been 
opened, and were about to be distributed. 

The Chief and his household were first provided 
for. The articles consisted of coats, and different 
articles of wear for the Chief, together with a watch, 
a revolver, and a camera. 

^^This will give both of you boys an opportunity 
to give the Chief some lessons in these instruments,’’ 
said John. 

The articles for the women were received with 
screams of delight that pleased the Chief beyond 
measure. Bits of lace, the like of which had never 
been seen on the island, cotton fabric, beads, articles 
of ornamentation, and finally full-fledged dresses, 


HYPNOTISM ON SAVAGES 


111 


were only parts of the gifts which went to the women 
and children. 

‘^With your permission/’ said John, to the Chief, 
will offer gifts to yonr people, and you may state 
that during the afternoon the articles will be ar- 
ranged in packages so that all will receive presents 
of like value.” 

The boys, as well as IJraso and Muro, were busy 
making up the gifts for distribution. During the 
remaining portion of the day they were busily en- 
gaged in this work, which brought the greatest joy 
and happiness to the natives. 

It may well be imagined that Uraso and Muro were 
not slow in imparting the news of Wonder Island 
to the natives. John had a long conference with the 
Chief on the same subject. 

^‘But how can we get these articles?” he asked, 
as John told him how they made the wonderful 
things. 

‘Won can make them here,” he answered. 

‘‘But we cannot make them if we do not have the 
tools.” 

“Then you can buy them,” responded John. 

“But what have we that you want?” he asked, as 
he eagerly scanned John’s face. 

“Your land is full of things that the people in 
Wonder Island want, and the whole world will buy 
them of you.” 

“Will you tell me what they want and how we 
shall get them ready for you?” 

“It will give us pleasure to send our people over 
who can tell you what spices, and nuts, and coffee, 
and other things which you have in abundance, can 


112 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


be prepared, and what they are worth, and it will 
be the means of giving the people work, and peace 
and contentment/’ 

“But if we do not have any more fighting with 
our enemy there will be no need of a strong Chief, ’ ’ 
he remarked, thinking of his new relation to the 
scheme as outlined. 

“There will be a much greater need of a strong 
man like you, who can mete out equal justice to the 
people,” remarked John. 


CHAPTER IX 


THE KEMAEKABLE CAVE EXPLORATIOKS 

But the time was now at hand, when it became 
necessary for the exploring expedition to the north. 
The rescued prisoners stated that their people, while 
not so numerous, were very warlike, and by degrees, 
John learned that they were the cannibals of whom 
they had heard. 

The tribe was known as the Umbolos, and the 
Chief was a frightful man, unlike any other in the 
tribe, or, at any rate, from the description, he was 
not formed like them. He was known as Rumisses, 
which in their tongue meant thunder. 

It was remarkable that Uraso and Muro under- 
stood most of the words of the language used by the 
natives here and also on Venture Island. On Won- 
der Island, there were only two tongues, or dia- 
lects, and the people on this island, as well as on 
Venture Island, spoke the dialect belonging to the 
Iliyas, Kurabus and the Tuolos, the tribes that were 
the fiercest and the most difficult to subdue. 

It was hoped that the escape of the two Umbolos, 
and the return to their people would be sufficient to 
give them the entree to that part of the country, 
but after the questionings of John on this point, it 
was very doubtful whether this would impress itself 
on their minds. 


113 


114 TKEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


The natives had been accustomed for so long a 
period to regard every other people as an enemy, 
and consequently absolutely removed from any pos- 
sibility of friendship, that it was questionable 
whether the messengers could persuade the Chief to 
receive them. 

Arrangements for the departure were decided 
upon, and they planned to start early in the morn- 
ing. John visited the Chief, and suggested that he 
should consider it a favor if the Chief would permit 
him to take the Korinos with him. 

The Chief opened his eyes in astonishment. 
^^Why do you wish to be burdened with men who 
will live by deceiving T’ he inquired. 

^‘But they have lived to the best of their knowl- 
edge. They do not know any better. They believe 
what they have been taught, and think it is a duty to 
carry out and practice their rites. They do not wish 
to deceive you. ’ ’ 

The Chief pondered for a long time, and then re- 
plied: ^‘What will you do with them?^’ 

want to teach them the white man’s ways, and 
tell them to come back and teach your children the 
things which we believe are right and for the good 
of the people.” 

The lessons which John imparted were sources of 
wonder and amazement to the ruler, who, five days 
before, thought he was the only one appointed to 
make and to execute laws. 

When he finally gave his consent, he said: ‘‘You 
must take it upon yourself to get the Korinos, be- 
cause they will not come out of their caves. ’ ’ 

“But how can they find food there? If you pre- 


EEMARKABLE CAVE EXPLOEATIONS 115 


vent them from getting food they will be compelled 
to come ont or starve/’ 

‘^They will starve before they will permit them- 
selves to he taken. ’ ’ 

‘‘Then,” answered John, “why do you not order 
your warriors to enter the cave and take them by 
force?” 

“But who dares to go in?” 

“I dare to go in, but you must order me to do so,” 
answered John. 

The Chief jumped up in an instant. “And will 
you go?” he asked in the greatest delight. 

“By all means. You must go with me to the cave, 
and there command me to enter and bring them 
forth.” 

The Chief’s eyes danced with delight, and he could 
hardly await the hour for starting on the mission. 

The boys and the two companion chiefs, were in 
their glory upon hearing of the decision to get the 
Korinos. Before leaving the Chief John questioned 
him very closely on the location of the cave, and 
whether there were not other caves on the island to 
the north. 

“I have heard that there is another one to the 
north, that was used in olden times by the Korinos 
who lived when my father was Chief. I also know 
that far to the north where the false and treacher- 
ous Umbolos live, are great caves which no man may 
enter. ’ ’ 

“Do they have Korinos in the TJmbolo tribe?” 

“No ; they do not believe in a Great Spirit. ” 

‘ ‘ Then, if they have no Korinos, why do they not 
dare to enter the caverns ? ’ ’ 


116 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘‘Because they have been told that it is death to 
go into the dark.” 

‘ ‘ Do you know why they think so ? ” 

“Because, a long time ago, the only man who ever 
returned from the dark caves, brought out the hones 
of men who had died there.” 

“But it did not kill that man who brought them 
out?” 

“Yes ; he died. And now no one dares enter those 
places.” 

It may be imagined how this intelligence stirred 
up the boys. It was impossible to keep them from 
talking about it. To John it was like a magic wand ; 
it seemed to wave before his eyes and to talk to him. 
What if they had really found the great cave on 
which John’s heart was so keenly bent? 

But the Korinos must be freed. That afternoon, 
just before starting, the boys were surprised to see 
the band coming up the street. How they laughed, 
as they scented John’s little ruse. It would, indeed, 
be a treat to bring the Korinos out of their dark re- 
sorts to some good old marching tune. 

The band struck up a familiar air, and to its lively 
tones the procession, with the three Chiefs and John 
at the head, marched across the open, and up the 
hill past the grove, on its way to the cave on the 
eastern slope of the high hill which rose from the 
shore of the ocean. 

There was jest and laughter, the Chief enjoying 
the treat that would be the greatest pleasure of his 
life, namely, the bringing of the Korinos out of the 
cave. 

After ascending the great hill, so that they over- 


EEMAEKABLE CAVE EXPLOEATIONS 117 


looked the ocean, the Chief informed John that the 
entrance was a third of the way down the hill, and 
the narrow path was followed which led aronnd to 
the north, shutting out the sight of the sea. 

After a few hundred feet, the path led to a cleft 
portion of the rocks, where the light of the sun 
was completely hidden. The walls of the rocks, at 
the entrance of the cleft portion, were fully fifty 
feet high, and were at least twenty feet apart, hut 
as they went on the walls drew nearer together and 
the path ascended a slight incline. 

A sharp turn was reached, and they found them- 
selves in a little cove, to the left of which was a dark 
entrance, toward which the Chief nodded, as he 
shrank hack. 

John motioned to the Chief, and the latter sternly 
commanded John to bring forth the Korinos. John 
said a few words to Uraso and Muro, and also invited 
the boys to accompany them. 

suppose you are all armed T’ said John. 

The hoys and the chiefs had come well prepared, 
so this point was taken care of. 

^‘But where are the lights T’ asked George. 

have them,’’ said John, ^‘hut we shall not use 
them now, for reasons which will be explained later. ’ ’ 

Together they entered the cave, the darkness of 
which was appalling. After going in fully a hun- 
dred and fifty feet, John stopped and said: ‘^It 
would have been a sign of weakness to go in with 
a light. When we have gone far enough to be free 
from the mouth of the cave, we can use our flash 
lights. For the present we shall move on to ascer- 
tain whether the Korinos are provided with lights, 


118 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


which will show where they are, and we may thus be 
guided to them.^^ 

The distance traveled must have been fully a thou- 
sand feet, when John again spoke: shall now 

throw the light directly ahead, and you must keep 
your eyes open to detect anything moving. ’ ’ 

The light flashed, and was then moved slowly to 
the left, until it reached a cove at the extreme east- 
ern side, where there was an evident assemblage of 
articles, not a hundred feet in advance of them, but 
there was not a sign of living beings within the scope 
of the light beams. 

The company moved over to the spot indicated. A 
moment’s examination satisfled them that it was 
really the abode of the Korinos, but they had disap- 
peared. 

The debris, the half eaten portions of food, some 
still warm, were sufiicient to indicate that they had 
fled, but where? Uraso, Muro and John, all three, 
flashed their lights, and, after examining the walls 
critically, Muro was the flrst to find the opening 
from the chamber in which they were standing. 

The outlet from the chamber was to the north, 
and toward it the explorers ran hurriedly, and 
passed along the contracted path, which soon turned 
to the left. After following its many windings, and 
scrambling over the broken and rocky floor, they saw 
ahead a streak of daylight, which gladdened the 
hearts of the boys. 

‘‘Ah! they have gone,” exclaimed John, as he 
emerged, and glanced across the ravine, and along 
the walls which extended up from the shore of a 
little stream below. ‘ ‘ They have gone to the north. 


EEMAEKABLE CAVE EXPLOEATIONS 119 


and have, probably, tried to seek safety in the other 
cave. ’ ^ 

‘‘How are we going to get back?’’ asked George. 

“Do yon think there will be any trouble in that?” 
asked John. 

“We shall have to go clear over the mountain for 
that, I’m afraid.” 



“We are not far from the entrance,” said John, 
“and if we intend to catch up with the Korinos, we 
must not delay for a moment.” 

The party made a hurried trip around the hill, and 
the Chief was surprised to learn that there was an- 
other entrance, or an outlet to the cave on the north- 



120 TKEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


ern side. None of Ms warriors was aware of tMs, 
however. 

John was now in a quandary. He was exceedingly 
anxious to secure the Korinos, but at the same time 
there was some things in the appearance of the cave 
that he wished to investigate. This was confided to 
iCJraso and Muro, and the latter suggested that he 
and Uraso would undertake to follow the fleeing 
men, and return to the village, while John and the 
boys made the desired investigation. 

This was readily assented to, and they at once 
made their way across the hill, while John informed 
the Chief of the action wMch they had decided to 
take. One of the principal men of the village, in 
whom the Chief had confidence, and who knew the 
location of the upper caves, accompanied Uraso and 
Muro. 

The Chief, and those with him returned to the 
village, while John remained behind under the pre- 
tense that he wished to stay at the cave entrance 
until they returned from the pursuit after the Ko- 
rinos. 

The boys first secured the flash lights which the 
two chiefs had brought, and when all had departed 
the boys and John entered the cave and marched 
directly to the location of their interior home. 

Every part of the habitation was well investi- 
gated. Almost every kind of tool and implement 
was found here in profusion, but singularly, none 
of them appeared to be used. Several flint lock 
guns, all rusted, and with decayed stocks, were 
among the articles discovered, but the Korinos had 
not used them. 


EEMAEKABLE CAVE EXPLOEATIONS 121 


The inevitable copper vessels, entirely nnlike those 
of modern manufacture, were the first things to 
claim the attention of the boys, as they recalled simi- 
lar articles found in the caves thitherto investigated 
by them. 

^‘This begins to look as though we are to have 
the same experience we had at the cave at the Cat- 
aract,’’ said George. These vessels, no doubt, 
were brought here by the buccaneers, and I’ll he 
surprised if we don’t find a few more of their be- 
longings somewhere in this place. ’ ’ 

After all the recesses in this vicinity had been 
investigated they scanned the side walls to the right, 
carefully going into the little recesses which were 
found all along the jagged sides. 

A hundred feet south of the living part of the 
cave they came, unexpectedly upon a large exten- 
sion, not noticed before in their pursuit of the Ko- 
rinos. The chamber extended in a southerly direc- 
tion, and narrowed at the extreme opposite end. 

‘‘This has the appearance of leading to another 
outlet, which would take us to the southern side of 
the hill. It would be remarkable, indeed, if such 
should be the case,” said John, as he eagerly pressed 
forward, until they had passed four chambers. 

The walls were coming closer and closer, until 
there was now barely room for them to pass through, 
but they went in unhesitatingly, John in the lead. 
The passage was not straight, so that the light did 
not aid much in looking ahead, hut suddenly the 
flash threw a beam ahead, which showed that they 
were at the entrance of a chamber. 

John stopped and directed the search light to all 


122 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


parts of the cavern. It appeared to be nearly round, 
with a perfectly smooth floor. It was unoccupied, 
hut in the exact center of the chamber was a raised 
object, like a mound. 

Throughout the entire cave could be found the 
calcareous deposit so common in caves formed in 
limestone rocks, and the stalactite hangings on the 
ceilings and walls, and the stalagmites on the floors 
made the scene a weird one. 

John glanced upwardly to view the ceiling, above 
the mound, and said: “That does not seem to be 
a natural formation. Let us examine it first. ’ ’ 

With the small pick which John always carried, 
and by means of which he was always careful to 
examine rocks and geological formations, while on 
these tours, the top parts of the stalagmites were 
chipped off. This was an exceedingly simple mat- 
ter, since they are generally soft. 

After the top layer was removed, the part be- 
neath readily yielded, but before they had an op- 
portunity to dig into it very deeply the pick struck 
something which gave forth a metallic sound. John 
stopped as though paralyzed. 

The pick was again driven in. Again the plain 
contact with some hard substance. The digging was 
now feverish, and when the broken parts were 
cleared away, a small metallic box, about twelve 
inches square across the top, and about ten inches 
deep, was exposed to view. 

The dent made by the pick was clearly visible, and 
the fresh mark showed that the metal was red. 

“It is copper!’’ said John. 

Every part of the material around the box was 



is copper,’ said John” 


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EEMAEKABLE CAVE EXPLOEATIONS 123 


removed, and this enabled them to remove it from 
its resting place. John grasped it and securing a 
good hold, finally raised it. 

No, it is not any heavier than I thought it would 
be,’’ he remarked as he lay it*down. 

‘‘Did you expect to find this?” asked George in 
amazement. 

“No ; this is a surprise to me as- it is to you.” 

“Then why did you make that remark?” 

“Because I believe that this box contains treasure 
of untold value. I should have been surprised if 
it weighed very much. ’ ’ 

“Could it not have contained treasure if it had 
been heavy?” asked Harry. 

John laughed, a peculiar exultant chuckle, as he 
responded: “Not the kind of treasure I have had 
in contemplation.” 

The box was turned over and over. There was 
not the sign of any lid, or crack which showed the 
cover or means of opening it. “We must take this 
out and open it at our leisure,” remarked John, “but 
before doing so it would be well to examine the 
other outlets to this chamber, if it has any. ’ ’ 

The chamber was found, on measurement, to be 
thirty feet in diameter, and the vaulted ceiling fully 
thirty feet high, singularly uniform in the domed 
formation, and not rough or jagged like the ceiling 
of the other chamber which they had just left. 

The walls were absolutely solid on all sides, the 
only entrance being by way of the narrow little pas- 
sageway through which they had come. Harry 
picked up the box, and swung it up to his shoulder^ 
and, John leading the way, they filed out and passed 


124 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


througli the chamber, quickly making their way to 
the opening through which they first entered the 
cave. 

Within an hour they were back in the village, and 
found Muro there awaiting their arrival. ‘‘We 
have found their trail, and they have not gone to 
the upper cave. They are heading straight for the 
tribe in the northern end of the island.’’ 

“I am surprised at that,” said John. “We must 
consult the Chief about this,” and without another 
word, he hurriedly went over to the Chief, who was 
as much astounded as John could be at the peculiar 
significance of their actions. 


CHAPTEE X 


THE TRIBE TO THE NORTH 

Instead of conveying the copper box to the vil- 
lage it was carried to the landing place and taken 
to the vessel, where it could be examined later, when 
they had more time. It was now of more impor- 
tance to keep in touch with Muro and Uraso, the 
former of whom had gone to the north as soon as 
he had given the report mentioned in the last chap- 
ter. 

On the return to the village they discussed the 
affairs of the previous day, which John had ab- 
stained from mentioning. 

^‘What is it that really makes the people act that 
way when they are hypnotized ? ’ ^ asked George. ‘ ^ I 
have heard it said that there isn^t any truth in mes- 
merism. ’ ’ 

‘‘Mesmerism is the old term used to designate cer- 
tain phenomena, which, originally, was supposed to 
he a force that emanated from the mesmerist. It 
is now known that hypnotism may he regarded as 
artificial catalepsy.’’ 

“But what is catalepsy!” 

“It is an affection produced by hysteria, during 
which the patient’s body becomes rigid. It is 
claimed by some that somnambulism is one phase of 
the hypnotic condition. ’ ’ 


125 


126 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘‘But in what way do yonr motions act on the one 
who is being hypnotized ? ’ ’ 

“The motions have nothing whatever to do with 
producing the condition. That is for effect, merely. 
Those who are able to bring about a mesmeric con- 
dition, try to concentrate the mind on some par- 
ticular thing, and by making gentle motions, or 
passes, this is more forcibly impressed on them.’’ 

“What was the object of Uraso telling them that 
the White Man’s death was a terrible one, and try- 
ing to frighten them ? ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Merely to make them concentrate their minds on 
one thing alone. Terror, or great fear, is one of 
the things which tends to a cataleptic condition. 
Great excitement, and sometimes excessive joy, have 
been known to do the same thing. ’ ’ 

“Then the object is merely to bring the mind un- 
der the control of the operator I” 

“Yes; what was originally considered as a power 
flowing from the hypnotist, is nothing more than his 
mental action or control which prevents the subject 
from exercising his own volition.” 

A few hours after they returned to the village 
Uraso and Muro returned, with the information that 
the Korinos were now within the territory of the 
tribe to the north, and they wisely concluded it would 
not be good policy to pursue them further, and their 
prudence was commended by John. 

The natives were supremely happy in displaying 
their gifts, and the Chief, while much annoyed at 
the escape of the Korinos, was content to be relieved 
of their presence, when, after numerous conversa- 


THE TEIBE TO THE NOETH 127 

tions with John, he realized that they were of no use 
to him and his people. 

John announced that he intended to visit the tribe 
to the north, and purposed starting the following 
day. The Chief advised him to take with him all 
the warriors in the village, because he felt sure they 
would have a hostile reception. 

‘Ht seems to me,’’ replied John, ^Hhat would he 
the wrong thing to do. I do not wish him to think 
that my mission is a warlike one, and a large force 
will be in the nature of an invasion of his territory.” 

“Perhaps you are right; but we have found him 
a difficult Chief to deal with. He is not like a man. 
He cannot stand up straight, as we do, and he kills 
and eats all who fall into his hands. ’ ’ 

This information was regarded by John as one of 
the imagination, purely, so it did not weigh heavily on 
his mind. What seemed to impress him most was 
the fate of the poor fellows who had voluntarily 
sought the protection of the cannibal Chief. 

‘ ^ I would like to have your opinion as to the course 
which the Chief will take when the Korinos fall into 
his hands!” asked John. 

The Chief mused for a while, and then said: 
“They have no Korinos and do not believe in them, 
but they may tell the Chief that we tried to offer 
them as sacrifices, and he may use them with his 
people to stir up feelings of revenge against us.” . 

“But,” replied John, “the captives you took, and 
who have escaped may tell him of our treatment of 
them and this may work in our favor. ’ ’ 

“I do not think so,” he replied. “We have had 


128 TREASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


many instances where they have refused to make 
friends with us, and for that reason we always had 
war. ^ ’ 

‘‘But have you not often sacrificed their people 
when you have taken them in your wars I ^ ’ 

“We have always done so.^^ 

“Have any of your captives ever returned to 
them I ^ ’ 

“No.’’ 

“And have they always killed and eaten your peo- 
ple when they captured them?” 

“Yes; and none has ever returned to us. The 
Korinos would not let us keep the captives, but said 
that the Great Spirit told them they must be sacri- 
ficed.” 

The foregoing information was sufficient to con- 
vince John of one thing, namely, that it was really 
the spirit of the Korinos which kept up the tribal 
warfare, at least so far as one end of the conflict was 
concerned. 

In spite of all the arguments advanced by the 
Chief, John was determined to make the trip with 
his own people, and thus avoid any feeling on the 
part of the tribe, against their present friend. 

In the morning John called Stut, and advised him 
to wait until the following day, when he should pull 
up anchor and proceed to the north for a distance 
not exceeding twenty miles, and then, seeking a safe 
anchorage, to await news from him. 

With forty of his own trusted men, together with 
Uraso and Muro, they set out on the march to the 
north, cheered by the people of the village, who 
came out to witness their departure. The old man 


THE TEIBE TO THE NOETH 


129 


who had been rescued, was still too weak to accom- 
pany them, so he was taken to the vessel, where he 
could receive the best of care and attention. 

In order not to be out of touch with the sea, John 
decided to follow the hills along the eastern side of 
the island, and this course was selected because the 
people to which they were going, unlike those at the 
southern portion of the island, lived in the moun- 



/O, Ci nn a moft . 


tainous region, as heretofore stated, and the proba- 
bility of meeting them would be much better than if 
they had followed the level plateau. 

In the march the boys, as well as John, were ever 
on the alert to discover the possibilities of the island, 
so far as the natural products were concerned. 

‘‘Something smells awfully sweet around here,’^ 
said George, as they were tramping along a beauti- 
fully-wooded crest. 

“I think it must come from the trees that have the 
beautiful pale blue flowers. Wait until I get a 
branch. ’ ^ 


130 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


One of the men was quick to carry out Harry’s 
wish. John was immensely pleased at the interest 
which the hoys exhibted. ‘ ^ What does it smell like I ’ ’ 
he inquired. 

‘‘Something like cloves and cinnamon, both,” an- 
swered George. 

“Peel off the bark and taste it.” 

“ It is just like cinnamon. ’ ’ 

“That is correct. It is the real cinnamon tree. 
It is the cassia of the Bible, one of the spices so fre- 
quently referred to in Scripture. The bark only is 
used, Wt the species which have fruit, are gathered 
and oil expressed from them, which is called cinna- 
mon suet/^ 

Advancing, the surface became more rugged. 
They had to cross numerous gullies, and broken por- 
tions, and frequently jagged rocks would show them- 
selves. Evidently when the island was raised up 
from the sea the rocks were forced through, and the 
climate in time disintegrated them, and formed a soil. 

“Do you think we shall find any minerals here?” 
asked Harry. 

“If we are to judge from our experiences on Won- 
der Island, where there is almost exactly the same 
formation, we may reasonably expect to find copper 
and also iron here. ’ ’ 

“While Harry and I were over at the bluff with 
Uraso, we saw something like green drippings, from 
the walls. ’ ’ 

“That is, undoubtedly, copper, — that is the sul- 
phate form, in which it is usually found.” 

“I was amused at Laleo (the native guide), who 
told Uraso this morning that our mission would be 


THE TEIBE TO THE NOETH 


131 


successful, and when he was asked why, answered, 
that the first thing they saw was three black birds. 
How superstitious these people are. ^ ’ 

‘ ‘ Ho you think they are any more so than civilized 
peopled’ answered John. ^Ht is curious how the 
number three runs through all their ideas. In cer- 
tain parts of England they have a great many omens, 
and one of them is that if the traveler, starting on a 
journey, meets three magpies, it means success; if 
two appears, it is a sign of marriage ; and four un- 
expected good news.^^ 

recall that it is considered lucky for sun to 
shine on a bride,’’ added Harry. 

‘^The other part of that couplet is ‘rain on a 
corpse,’ ” remarked John. 

“I never knew it was lucky for the corpse to be 
rained on,” responded Harry, in a questioning tone. 

John laughed immoderately, as he answered: 
“Well, it might not be lucky for the corpse. But 
there are numerous lucky and unlucky signs that no 
one can account for, prevalent in our own country, 
such as putting on stockings wrong side out, and 
finding a horseshoe.” 

“Of course, they are both fortunate signs,” said 
George, smiling at the thought. 

“In Scotland, among those who are the most mat- 
ter of fact people in the world, signs are very com- 
mon. It is a bad omen with them to stumble over a 
threshold, or to step over green or red, or to sneeze 
while making up a bed. ’ ’ 

“After all, we are not so much ahead of the sav- 
ages, are we ? ” mused George. 

During the march that day there was nothing 


132 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


specially worthy of note. The animals they met 
were few and small, and it did not appear that there 
were any which merited mentioning, so the boys 
gave up the idea of meeting any adventure in that 
line. 

Shortly after four in the afternoon they began 
to seek out some good camping place. Laleo in- 
formed Uraso that they had now passed into the ter- 
ritory claimed by the northern tribe, and the de- 
sirability of caution was necessary. 

A rocky shelter, only a short distance above a run- 
ning brook below, was found suitable, and there the 
halt was made for the night. Early in the morning 
they were awakened by Muro, with the welcome in- 
telligence that the Pioneer was sighted several miles 
to the north, where she lay at anchor. 

At the suggestion of John the boys went to the 
headland, a mile to the east, and there hoisted a sig- 
nal flag, which was observed by the vessel, and the 
return signal given, this being indicated by four 
circular sweeps of the flag. 

Waving the flag twice to the right, and twice to 
the left indicated that they were to remain there un- 
til further advised. 

After a good breakfast the march was resumed, 
leading further to the west to avoid the rugged hills 
near the sea. Either Uraso or Muro was constantly 
in the lead, always accompanied by one of the men 
who, in case of necessity, might be sent back to fur- 
nish John the reports of his observations. 

Before noon the messenger came in with the wel- 
come information that the first of the natives had 
been noticed, not far to the north. Muro, who was in 


THE TEIBE TO THE NORTH 


133 


the lead, awaited the arrival of John and the boys. 

Together they went forward, the men remaining 
in the camp. A few men could thus move through 
the brush with less likelihood of observation, than a 
large number, which was the principal reason for 
this mode of procedure. 

After another mile of cautious movement, a run- 
ner was sent back with the order to bring all of them 
forward. Away in the distance the village was 
sighted, Oeorge’s field glasses now being brought 
into play. The huts could be seen plainly along 
the mountain side, and scattered about in profusion 
amid a plentiful supply of trees. 

In some respects, viewed from a distance, the 
scene did not look at all primitive, and were it not 
for the crude character of the houses it might have 
been taken for a typical modem town or village. 

Only one hut had been passed, thus far. It was 
not at all crudely built, and while it had been left to 
decay, it showed that the owner had some ideas of 
comfort, and an eye to convenience, as it was located 
by the side of a spring. On one side of the cottage 
was a weed-grown garden, and some fine specimens 
of taro as well as wild potatoes were in evidence. 

Earthenware cooking utensils were discovered, 
which added to the interest of the place, but no other 
furniture was found to show how the people lived. 
It might have been deserted for a year or more. 

Ascending the second small hill, they were startled 
to find themselves face to face with a half dozen 
of the natives, who were frightfully alarmed at the 
appearance of the visitors, for they set up a shout 
and ran like deer toward the village. 


134 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


John kept on at the head of his force, and while 
the commotion in the village, not a half mile distant, 
was plainly visible, he did not halt, until he saw a 
curious crowd surrounding a short individual, who 
stood apart from those around him. 

^^That is the Chief,’’ said Laleo. ^Ht is said he 
is a terrible man, and unlike all others,” thus re- 
peating what the Chief had told John. 

As he made no attempt to come forward or in- 
dicate what his wishes were, John directed the men 
to follow him, fifty feet in his rear, and he went 
on until within two hundred feet of the motley crowd, 
the people in the meantime making no sign of re- 
sistance, nor did they object to the advance. 

When John stopped, the curious figure, who was 
designated as the Chief, moved forward toward John 
without a hit of hesitation, and the boys were simply 
dumbfounded at his singular appearance, and at the 
gait he assumed. 

A word picture of him would not he amiss. He 
was a hunchback, with an extraordinary lump on his 
hack, the arms much too long for his body, and 
crooked, distorted legs. The head, however, was 
massive, and covered with a heavy beard, which 
seemed to grow close up to the eyes, giving him a 
fierce appearance, because his head was covered with 
a thick coating of long gray, or sandy hair, that 
swung around the darker beard, as he shambled 
along. 

As he neared John his bright and staring eyes 
were the first thing noticed. When he came across 
the intervening space, his face was stem, and un- 


THE TEIBE TO THE NOETH 135 

forbidding, but as be neared John it relaxed, and 
he began to smile. 

J ohn stepped forward, and extended his hand. ‘ ‘ I 
am glad to meet you,” said John. 

The man looked at John for a moment, and then 
tried to mumble something, that the boys could not 
understand. After a few attempts he fairly shrieked 
out: ‘‘How are you!” 

This was certainly a startling thing, because the 
Voice and the intonation were perfect. John opened 
his jacket and brought out a miniature American 
flag, which was unrolled, and the moment the strange 
being caught sight of it he seized it and pressing it to 
his lips, kissed it fervently. 

“I am an American,” he finally struggled to utter. 
“I am a white man, and you are the first white man 
I have seen for fifty years. You are welcome to our 
home and village.” 

The boys could not credit their senses. How did 
this poor specimen of the white race become the 
powerful Chief of a tribe of savage cannibals ? 

John looked at him for a moment in astonishment, 
as he asked : ‘ ‘ How long have you been Chief of the 
people here?” 

“About forty-five years. They are good people 
too.” 

“We heard you were cannibals,” remarked John. 

For a moment he scowled, and then his face bright- 
ened up. “Yes; I know my neighbors to the south 
have always believed that to be so, but they have 
heard such tales from their witch doctors, such as we 
used to have, but it is not true. ’ ’ 


136 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘^You mean the KorinosT’ 

^^Yes, those who left yon two days ago, and have 
come to me for protection,’’ and he smiled as he said 
this. 

tried to get them, but they eluded ns,” added 
John, by way of information. 

‘‘You must pardon me, but it is still a little diffi- 
cult for me to form sentences. It is so long since I 
have talked to any one in my native tongue. But 
I am impolite. Bring your people into the village, 
and let us entertain you. I do so want to hear about 
the great world and what it is now like. ’ ’ 

The Chief turned to his people and told them that 
the White Chief was from his own tribe, and that he 
came from a far-away country, on a visit to him, and 
that they must treat the people as his own. 

Nothing more was needed to make them welcome. 
George suggested to John that Stut on the Pioneer 
should be notified, but before they had time to carry 
out the order a number of the villagers came rush- 
ing through the village and sought out the Chief. 

The latter turned to John and said: “My people 
tell me that there is a large ship here.” 

“It is the vessel we came in,” answered John, 
“and we were about to send a messenger to tell them 
to anchor near the village. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ I am so happy to know this, ’ ’ said the Chief. ‘ ‘ I 
want to see the ship, because it is the first time that 
any one has stopped at our shores. Some years ago 
we found some strange things that floated ashore 
from a wrecked vessel, and I want to show them to 
you, because I cannot understand what some of the 
things could be used for.” 


THE TEIBE TO THE NORTH 


137 


They were led through the principal street of the 
town. It was clean and well kept ; the huts were far 
better than those in the village they had left, and the 
natives were, apparently, happy and contented. 

As they marched along George was the first to no- 
tice a tall individual, who, with several others, were 
edging away from the visitors. 

‘‘There they are!^^ he cried out. John turned to 
inquire, when Harry commenced laughing, as he 
added: “Here are the Korinos, John!’’ 

The latter looked in the direction indicated, and 
laughed when he saw their discomfiture. The Chief 
was hurriedly informed of the situation, and he 
laughed heartily, as he ordered one of his men to 
bring in the fugitives. 

They were ushered in, and Uraso told them that 
they were friends and not enemies, and that the 
White Chief tried to secure them so that their own 
Chief would not harm them. It was a great relief, 
unquestionably, and their actions showed it. John 
then told them, that he wanted to have a talk with 
them, and that he would assure them of their safety. 


CHAPTER XI 

THE HUNCHBACK CHIEE 

The White Chief’s house was built on a plan 
which was a vast improvement over anything found 
on the two islands. True, it was nothing but an as- 
semblage of rooms, which surrounded an open court. 
The furnishings were crude, but it was evident that 
all the articles were such as had been taken from 
the wreckages on the shore. 

Goods not native made, were noticed, and even a 
photograph, on a tin plate, like the old style daguerre- 
otypes, was observed by Harry. Three chairs, one 
with a broken rocker, formed part of the furnishings 
in the court. In one corner was a mass of articles, 
the case of a ship’s chronometer, the horn of a phono- 
graph, some tin tubes of different lengths, and other 
odds and ends, which could not be recognized. 

am anxious to hear your story,” said John. 
‘Hf you have no objection we should be glad to have 
you relate it. ’ ’ 

‘Ht will give me pleasure to tell of my experiences, 
although it may not interest you; but before doing 
so you must partake of food, because I know what 
it means to travel through our country. Besides I 
have ordered it prepared, and it is now ready.” 

‘‘These two men I have with me,” said John, 
pointing to Uraso and Muro, “are Chiefs of two 

138 


THE HUNCHBACK CHIEF 


139 


powerful tribes, who live on a neighboring island, 
and they are real friends I found there when these 
two boys and I were shipwrecked there several years 
ago. ’ ’ 

am, indeed, glad to welcome them. I see that 
they have adopted the white man^s clothing. 

‘‘Yes; and their people who are wonderfully in- 
teresting, are engaged in farming, and manufactur- 
ing. ’ ’ 

Then John told him briefly the history of their 
experiences, and how the people on Wonder Island 
were working out their salvation. 

John’s tale impressed him most forcefully. “You 
have made good use of your talents. Unfortunately, 
for me, and for the natives here, I was not able 
wholly to bring out the people from their low condi- 
tion, as you will be able to understand more fully 
when the story is told.” He said this sorrowfully, 
and with apparent regret. 

After the meal, he continued his narrative: “I 
was a poor boy, a native of the State of Massachu- 
setts, and was bound to a whaler as a helper, when 
less than fifteen years of age. It was a hard life, 
as you may know. I had no education, and I learned 
the life of misery and sorrow when I should have 
been at school. 

“But during that and the second year I became 
hardened, and my unfortunate physical condition 
made me the butt of my companions, and one day, 
in a fit of resentment, I struck down one of my 
tormentors, while in the harbor of Bedford, after 
which I escaped and made my way to Boston. 

‘ ‘ There, the next day, I found employment on an 
122 


140 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


outgoing ship, that was in the China service, and two 
days later, I was gratified to learn that it would sail 
that night. I had a much easier berth, and now I 
found that among those men I was considered bet- 
ter than a mere brute, and I became acquainted with 
a young man who taught me to read. 

‘‘This was such a delight to me that I could hardly 
wait until my daily duties were over, before the 
books were brought out, and by the time we put into 
Shanghai, I could read and write, as well as perform 
many examples in arithmetic. 

“I knew nothing of geography, or of any other of 
the necessary parts of education. Our outward trip 
was unexciting, but on the first return trip, we met 
one of the dangerous monsoons, and the ship was 
wrecked. One of my shipmates was the sole oc- 
cupant of a spar, and he aided me in my attempt to 
grasp it, and together we floated about the great sea 
for several days, without a thing to eat or to drink, 
until I lost consciousness, and knew no more until I 
opened my eyes, and saw the vilest looking savages 
standing about me. 

“When I saw them they appeared like a horrid 
dream. I had read in one of the books about the 
terrible visions that men dream of, and when they 
tried to make me eat something, I began to feel that 
it was a reality. 

“But the men were naked, and I saw the bones 
of human beings about me, and everything had the 
appearance of a feast. I soon saw that they were 
cannibals, and as I had heard of their practices their 
faces grew more and more repulsive to me. 

“I recovered slowly, and now began the terror in 


THE HUNCHBACK CHIEF 


141 


my mind. Each day I expected would be my last. 
But day after day passed by, and I soon began to 
become reconciled to my fate. An incident soon 
changed the entire aspect of atfairs for me. I had 
been treated with the utmost deference. I was fur- 
nished with an abundance of food, but I had previ- 
ously learned that it was the custom of those people 
to fatten their victims, and this was not welcome 
knowledge. 

became desperate. One day, while they were 
bringing me the finest roasts, I rebelled, and taking a 
club, scattered the food, swinging the club at them 
and shouting defiance, because human nature began 
to rebel, and I could not stand the suspense any 
longer. 

^^To my surprise they scattered, and fell on their 
faces. Among them was the head man, whom I had 
always regarded as the Chief. Finally he came up 
timidly, and fell on his knees before me. I was so 
astounded that I did not know what to do. I went to 
the Chief and raised him up, because I was in a 
quandary, and could not understand them. 

^‘This seemed to reassure him, and he told me to 
follow him. I had been here long enough to under- 
stand most of their jargon. I was surprised when 
he led me to his own hut, and brought out his daugh- 
ter, who knelt before me. Then I began to under- 
stand. I was no longer the expected victim, but the 
prospective son-in-law. This was better than an- 
ticipating death daily. 

accepted the situation. The daughter became 
my wife. It was she who welcomed you when we 
came in. When her father died I became Chief, but 


142 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


long before bis death, I controlled the people, as I 
knew so much more, and had superior wisdom, 
judged by their standard, that they obeyed me in 
everything. 

‘‘But much as I abhorred, and tried to prevent it, 
as I did on many occasions, they practiced their rites, 
and had their Korinos, the real offenders, who taught 
them the necessity of sacrifices. 

“But when I became Chief, I sternly refused to 
permit them to kill their captives, and cannibalism 
was practiced only by stealth. I succeeded in stamp- 
ing out the practice only by putting the Korinos to 
death, and in shutting up their caves. ’ ’ 

The boys, as well as John were riveted to their 
seats during this entire recital, until he referred to 
the caves, when they relaxed, and indicated their 
pleasure and anxiety. That meant still further 
quests in that direction. 

The Chief noticed their movement, and continued : 
“I am tiring you, but permit me to add only a few 
things. I have endeavored to better the condition 
of these people, and have succeeded. To the south 
of us was a powerful tribe. My first care was to 
make ourselves secure against them. 

“Like my people they, too, were cannibals. They 
were ruled over by a Chief who was cruel, and wjien- 
ever any of their people escaped I took them in and 
cared for them, and there are now many of those 
living with us who could not be induced to go back. 
For more than forty years no one has been killed 
and eaten by my people.’’ 

“Your work here is certainly most commendable. 
There is nothing which needs apology. Under the 


THE HUNCHBACK CHIEF 


143 


I circumstances you have done all that was possible, 
I and to the best of your ability. No one can do 
I more,’’ was John’s timely observation. 

I ‘H thank you for the compliment. I owe every- 
I thing to the few books which my comrade taught me 
to read. When I left the United States my heart was 
I bitter toward all mankind. I could not see why I 
should have been treated in such a harsh manner 
I among civilized people, but when I landed here and 
I saw how much worse the conditions were, I began 
to reflect. It would have been an easy and a natural 
thing for me to be brutal to others, as they had been 
to me.” 

‘‘You have shown a noble spirit, and I shall try 
to help you in caring for your people. Our ship is 
here, and we have some things for you, as soon as 
they can be unloaded,” rejoined John. 

During the afternoon communication was estab- 
lished with the Pioneer, and the natives were willing 
helpers in bringing up the packages, but it was too 
late to distribute them. Before leaving John said; 
“You have not told us your name.” 

“I was christened Ephraim Wilmar.” 

John seized him by the hands, as he said: “And 
was your father’s name William?” 

“Yes,” said Ephraim, as his great eyes grew still 
bigger. “Did you know him?” 

“I knew him well; he died about thirty years ago. 
He was my father’s friend.” 

This information established a bond of friendship 
between the two. 

“I have forgotten to take note of time, and I may 
be out a year or two in my reckoning,” continued 


144 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


Ephraim, ‘‘but according to the best information I 
have this must be the year 1911/’ 

“You are short one year; it is now 1912.” 

“Then let me see! We sailed from China in 
January, 1860; and during that same month the ship 
went down. From that time to the present I have 
no idea of what has taken place. ’ ’ 

“Then you know nothing of the four years’ war 
between the North and the South?” 

“No; I remember there was some trouble about 
the slaves, or something of that sort before we left 
China. ’ ’ 

“But there are no more slaves in the United 
States.” 

“You surprise me! Then they were freed by the 
war?” 

“ Yes ; and Cuba is also free, and is now a republic, 
and the Hawaiian Islands belong to the United 
States, as also do the Philippines.” 

‘ ‘ That does not seem possible. Why, if I remem- 
ber correctly Cuba and the Philippines belonged to 
Spain. When did the United States purchase 
them ? ’ ’ 

“We had a war with Spain, and we took the Span- 
ish possessions, as well as Porto Eico. Manila was 
captured three days after war was declared.” 

‘ ‘ Three days after war was declared ! How could 
our fleet, which must have been half the way around 
the world, get the news that war had been declared 
in that time ? ’ ’ 

“The commander of our fleet at Hongkong, was 
notified by telegraph. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ How could that be done without a telegraph line ? 


THE HUNCHBACK CHIEF 145 

Over what part of the earth are the lines now run- 
ning U' 

‘ ^ Everywhere ; hut there are many running under 
the sea and are called cable lines 

Ephraim looked at John for a moment, as though 
he doubted the meaning of the words just uttered, 
and then slowly inquired : ‘ ^ That must be a remark- 
able thing. I do not see how it would be possible to 
string wires under the sea. ’ ^ 

^‘They are encased in water tight coverings, and 
some of the lines are four thousand miles long. But 
nowadays we do not need wires for telegraphing.’’ 

The deformed figure arose, and appeared to be 
agitated, as he said: ‘*Do you mean to say that 
messages can be sent without wires ? ’ ’ 

Stations for that purpose are now in operation 
all over the world. ’ ’ 

^ ‘ That is as improbable to me as though you should 
tell me that it would be possible to talk over a wire, ’ ’ 
he answered. 

^‘But we do talk over wires, and it is possible to 
talk over distances hundreds of miles apart, without 
wires even.” 

He glanced at those about him, and shook his head. 
He appeared to hesitate about asking any more ques- 
tions, and after shambling back and forth a dozen 
times, or more, he stopped at the pile of debris, and 
picked up a thick disk-like piece of metal, to one side 
of which was a short broken tube attached. 

have examined this many, many times. Per- 
haps you can tell me what it is?” and he handed it 
to John. 

‘‘This is the disk of a phonograph.” 


146 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


^^Wliat is thatr’ 

‘‘An instrument which will reproduce the human 
voice, or any noise, or the sound of music. ’ ^ 

“I do not understand what you mean. If I talk 
to it will it talk back to me?’’ 

“No; it is so arranged that one form of the in- 
strument receives the sound of your voice, and im- 
presses it on material in the form of a cylinder, or a 
disk, and if this cylinder or disk is put into another 
instrument, this little apparatus, which I hold in my 
hand will speak the same words you uttered.” 



“Then electricity must be a wonderful thing, to be 
able to be used by men to talk to each other all over 
the world, and even to preserve what they say.” 

“But the phonograph is not an electrical appara- 
tus. The disk, here, with the little stylus, or pointer 
on it, vibrates and gives forth the sound.” 

‘ ‘ All this is most marvelous, and I would like to see 
some of those wonderful things,” he exclaimed. 

“If you will come to the ship we will show you 
many of the things that electricity does, as we have 
a phonograph there, and we have a search light that 



THE HUNCHBACK CHIEF 


147 


operates by electricity, and which enables ns to see 
many miles, ^ ’ added Harry. 

‘‘Yes ; I must see your ship, and I am ready to ac- 
company you any time, and I want my people to see 
those things, as well.’’ 

“But there are many other things that we now do 
with electricity. All street railways are now oper- 
ated by it ; many boats are run by that power ; cook- 
ing is done by it, and its uses extend into almost 
everything that man touches,” remarked John. 

“If this one branch of knowledge has improved so 
wonderfully within a space of fifty years, the prog- 
ress in other directions must be very wonderful, 
indeed,” he responded. “But you have told me so 
much, and I hardly know how I can grasp its mean- 
ing. I suppose things here in this part of the world 
must appear very crude to youT’ 


CHAPTER Xn 

THE CHIEF FAMILY 

Ephraim’s wife was not crude and uncouth, like 
most of the native women. It was evident from the 
care which she observed in the domestic arrange- 
ments, that Ephraim had a hand in shaping her 
course. 

The food was served with considerable care, and, 
in some degree with the formality observed in civi- 
lized homes. John was a careful observer of cus- 
toms, and he was surprised to note that all the na- 
tives patterned after the Habits established by their 
Chief. 

‘‘I tried,” said Ephraim, in answer to John’s 
questions, ‘Ho better their condition, and to teach 
them how to prepare and eat their food, and we 
made vessels of pottery, which you will notice are 
found everywhere. They understood the art of 
weaving, in a very primitive way, which I also tried 
to improve. Only on three occasions did we take 
any toll from the sea, when the wreckage came 
ashore. 

“Of the articles which were thus recovered, I 
took only a fair share, and the others were impar- 
tially distributed to the people.” 

“Did you ever have any trouble with the natives, 
or did they ever dispute your authority?” asked 
John. 


148 


THE CHIEF FAMILY 


149 


‘ ^ Only once, many years ago. A man claiming to 
be the son of the Chief, gathered together a number 
of adherents, but my people rose against them, and 
killed the leaders, which I very much regretted. 
When I remonstrated with them for the severity of 
their course, they justified it by saying that I had 
been kind to them, and had made them better, and 
it was the very thing that taught me to feel that 
human beings, although savages, understand kind 
treatment It made me a convert in my feelings 
against some of the white men who had treated me 
with such severity.^’ 

During the day, after the packages had been re- 
moved from the ship the articles were taken from the 
packages and arranged in Ephraim ^s home. Ar- 
ticles of clothing were distributed to the Chief ^s fam- 
ily, and what pleased him more than anything else, 
were the cooking utensils, all of the newest ware, 
and in great variety, some of which were curiosities 
to him. 

He had four children, the eldest a young man about 
thirty years of age, who had a family of three chil- 
dren ; the next, a strong, active native, about twenty- 
five ; a medium-sized young woman, almost white, of 
about twenty, and the youngest a lad of seventeen, 
who was quickly attracted to the boys. 

These, together with their mother, undertook the 
task of distributing the gifts to the people. Articles 
of adornment were, of course, the most enticing to 
the natives, and John had anticipated this feeling 
in the selection of the gifts. 

After the feast of the good things, John broached 
the subject next to his heart, and that was to explore 


150 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


the island, and particularly the caves. In referring 
to the matter he said : 

^‘I recognize that whatever treasure we may find 
in them belongs to yon, and yon are entitled to 
them. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Bnt they are of no nse to ns, ^ ’ he responded. ‘ ^ I 
am not wise in the ways of the world, bnt I am snre 
that great wealth, in the way of gold and silver, 
would not make my people happy. I agree with yon 
that employment, and trying to teach people to help 
and care for each other, is much more likely to make 
them happy, and besides, the treasures which yon 
refer to could not he used by them to any advantage. ^ ’ 

‘‘You have spoken wisely,’’ answered John, 
“nevertheless, we have no need of the riches which 
we may find. My search is for a different sort of 
wealth. ’ ’ 

“I do not understand what could be of more ad- 
vantage, or repay you better than gold and silver. ’ ’ 

“It is believed ihat many of these places contain 
the records of people who have lived here thousands 
of years ago. All over the world hidden treasures 
of that kind have been found, some of them which 
go to show that men lived on the earth hundreds 
of thousands of years.” 

“You are much wiser than I am, and understand 
the reason for making such a search, but I do not see 
why that would be of any use to know those things. ’ ’ 

“A great man once said, ‘Know thyself,’ and an- 
other remarked, that the ‘proper study of mankind 
is man.’ To ascertain the origin of humanity, how 
man lived and acted, what were his motives and de- 
sires, his beliefs and his aspirations, and to know 


THE CHIEF FAMILY 151 

how he has improved, are interesting questions to 
me.’^ 

He mused at this statement for a long time, and 
then quietly said: ‘‘That may be so; it may make 
us greater and better men, and it may be gratifying 
to have that knowledge, but I have now arrived at 
that time of life where things appear differently from 
the way I used to look at them. Every year I begin 
to think less of myself, and more of those about me. 

“When my children grew up about me they were 
the only ones I cared for. They were the only things 
in the world that interested me. When my grand- 
children came they were new inspirations to me, 
and my views toward others changed, and made me 
feel better inclined.’’ 

“That shows, does it not, that as we grow older, 
and as the world increases in age, everything im- 
proves, our minds, the advancements in the arts, 
in the sciences, in inventions, and generally in the 
improvement of the human race I It is a part of the 
whole education which man in his improved condi- 
tion is trying to instill, and it is human knowledge, 
and the desire to learn everything, that gives a stimu- 
lus to us.” 

There was no more welcome intelligence than the 
news that on the following day they would visit the 
first cave in the northern hills, and that Ephraim 
would accompany them. The people in the village 
were delighted at the news that the ancient caves of 
the Korinos would be opened. 

The trip took on the nature of a pleasure expedi- 
tion. Even the family of the Chief were insistent on 
going along, and the boys quickly became the friends 


152 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


of Camma, the youngest son of Ephraim, and insisted 
that he should go hack with them to Wonder Is- 
land on a visit when they returned. 

Ephraim assented to this most heartily. They 
showed Camma the workings of the revolver, and 
presented him with one of them. Then, when they 
went to the ship, he was presented with a camera, 
and an outfit for developing. 

When the boys brought back a small hand sewing 
machine, and gave it to Mene, young Camma ^s sister, 
the joy in that family was beyond all bounds. Eph- 
raim stood before the little machine, as though para- 
lyzed. It acted like a human being, only more per- 
fectly, as its work showed. 

But now for the caves. Sufficient food was taken 
along to make the trip a comfortable one. The vil- 
lage in which Ephraim lived was nearly a half day’s 
journey from the original site of the town that was 
occupied by the old Chief. He had founded the new 
site, near the sea, because of the exposed condition 
of the old village, and also on account of the unsani- 
tary condition of the surroundings. 

The caves were near the old town, and it required 
nearly five hours to make the trip, but it was enjoy- 
able, every step of the way. The three boys en- 
gaged in hunting, on the way, because the new toy 
in Camma ’s hands had to be put to use. Ephraim 
put no restraint on the jolly pranks of the boys. 
J ohn was careful to tell him that Harry and George 
were not wild or reckless, and that Camma would find 
them healthy comrades. 

Shortly after noon, they were told that the first 
of the caves would be found in the hill toward the 


THE CHIEF FAMILY 


153 


right, and that the work of opening the principal 
one would not be undertaken until after luncheon. 

You may be sure that the boys made a hurried 
meal, and without waiting for the workers to come 
up, they grasped their weapons, and were soon half 
way up the hill, their guide, an old man, who knew 
the location of the caves, being with them, to show 
the way. 

The old man pointed to the rocky wall, and indi- 
cated where the opening was. Ephraim had closed 
it effectually, for they saw the evidence of the wall 
before them, where its comparatively smooth sur- 
face showed the difference between the natural wall 
and the rough rocks elsewhere. 

‘‘Where is the other caveT’ asked George. 

“It is on the other side,’^ he answered. 

“And is that also closed?’’ 

“Yes; just as you see this.” 

When the workers came up John directed them 
how to commence at the top, and take out a rock at a 
time. He smiled as he saw how well the work had 
been done, and Ephraim was gratified at the praise 
bestowed. 

“You certainly made a first class job of ashlar 
work,” remarked John. 

“I^^at is that?” asked Ephraim, in surprise. 

“It is just this kind of masonry where the courses 
are irregular, and built up from the rock just as it 
came from the quarry. ’ ’ 

“I was not aware that there were different kinds 
of masonry. I thought that masonry was merely the 
placing together of stones so they would bind each 
other, and that is the way I had them do it.” 


154 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘^Masonry is one of the oldest of the arts. It is 
really the foundation stone of architecture. The 
work you have done here happens to be of rock that 
has a rather smooth outline, that is, the stone broke 
off smooth, in the upper layers, but the large pieces 
near the bottom represent what is called rubble 
work.^’ 



C0URQ€O /rSJfLfl/t 
m£5S£0£/iG£ 


RfiNOOM R/TAtGe 

OR£SS£D 

flSHLRR 

HERRING BONE 
HGHLfiR 


PRISON RU&T/C 


ROUGH 

QURRRY-FHCE 


RUBLE, OR 
BROAENRSRL/IR 

SMALL ASHLAR 


QURRY‘FAC£A 

ASHLAR 


lype^ of Ma^onr^ 


“This is very interesting to know,” remarked 
Ephraim. 

“I might add,” continued John, “that when the 
courses are not regular it is called hvohen ashlar; 
when stones of less than one foot in breadth are used 



‘‘The old man pointed to the rocky wall” 


[See p. 152] 






THE CHIEF FAMILY 


155 


it is called small ashlar; if the wall is hacked by 
rubble, or inferior work it is called bastard ashlar. 
Then every kind of surface has a particular name, 
like the random-tooled where the tool marks are 
shown in all direclions; rusticated when only the 
joined edges are trimmed up; prison-rustic when it 
is pitted with deep holes; herring -hone when it 
is tooled in rows of opposite directions to each other ; 
and nigged when finished up with a pointed ham- 
mer.’^ 

Within an hour the stones were removed and put 
aside, and then Ephraim was treated to another sur- 
prise when he was made acquainted with the little 
electric flash lights which John exhibited. With 
these they entered the cave. 

All savage tribes have some sort of animals, as 
pets, and dogs are the most frequent. This was the 
case among these people. The dogs were with the 
party, and, as usual, ahead of the procession. Two 
6f them went ahead on a scouting expedition, while 
John and the hoys, with their flash lights followed. 

After they had gone, probably two hundred feet, 
there was a slight descent apparent in the floor of the 
cave, and ahead were the two dogs stretched out, life- 
less. 

George ran ahead, as he noticed them, and John 
shouted out : ^ ^ Do not touch them I ’ ’ 

He stopped, and looked back, and then slowly 
walked up to the animals. John requested the party 
to halt, and he went forward, and put his foot on one 
of the dogs. ^‘We must go back,’’ he said. 

‘^Are they dead?” asked Harry, as he came for- 
ward. 


123 


156 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘‘Why not take them out and see what the trouble 
is r ’ inquired Harry. 

“No need for that,’’ responded John. “I know 
what the trouble is.” 

‘ ‘ Is there any danger in the cave ? ’ ’ 

“Yes.” 

Ephraim and the natives were now alarmed. It 
will be remembered that the universal belief among 
the natives is, that to go into these caves unhidden, 
means death. True, John had shown the fallacy of 
this on several occasions, hut here was positive evi- 
dence that death had visited the dogs, and this might 
he the fate of those who attempted to go on. 

But the most alarming thing was the fact that John 
himself was the one who said there was danger, and 
that they must return. He did not venture to make 
an explanation until they were out of the cave. 

“There is carbonic acid in the cave, and as it is a 
deadly poison we cannot go in until it is removed.” 

“That seems singular,” responded George. “I 
went in as far as the dogs, and it didn’t affect 
me.” 

“But you did not reach down to touch the dog. ’ ’ 

“I saw you touch the dog, and it didn’t seem to 
affect you.” 

‘ ‘ I touched it with my feet and not with my hands. ’ ’ 

“I cannot see what difference that makes.” 

“If you had touched the dog with your hands it 
would have brought your face down near the floor of 
the cave, and the gas is at the bottom of the cave 
only. ’ ’ 

“Why should it be there and not all over?” 

“Because it is much heavier than the air we 


THE CHIEF’S FAMILY 


157 


breathe, and remains at the bottom, just like water. 
If you recall, this part is lower than the corridor 
through which we came, so that it could not run out. 
I have always observed that in all the other caves 
the floors within were higher than the entrance, and 
in such cases there is no liability of getting poison- 
ous gases.” 

^‘But how are we to make the investigation, un- 
der the circumstances!” 

^‘We must remove the gas.” 

‘^How can that be done?” 

‘^Several ways are open; one would be to tap 
the floor and drain the gas out, which would be diffi- 
cult to do with our resources. Another plan would 
be to force in a lot of air, so as to render the gas inert, 
or we might put in enough air to make it burn, and 
consume it.” 

< < Why, will it burn ? ’ ’ 

^^Most assuredly; all it needs is enough air; but 
I am afraid this plan will not be a very safe one for 
us. If the floor of the cave is not at any place more 
than four feet below the entrance, we can go about 
safely, but in such case we must move about mth the 
utmost caution, so as not to get too much of the 
gas in the system.” 

am afraid it will be a difficult thing to go in un- 
less we know absolutely where the low places are, or 
unless we survey the bottom of the cave,” said 
G-eorge, brightening up at the idea. 

‘‘What would happen if we threw a light into the 
bottom where the gas is ? ” 

“It would be extinguished instantly,” remarked 
John. 


158 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘^That gives me an idea,’’ asserted George. 
‘‘Why not take a lamp, and carry it ahead of us, 
about three feet from the ground, and whenever that 
goes out, it will show there is gas there?” 

“That is a good observation; but I am afraid it 
would be very dangerous to do that.” 

“Dangerous? I thought you said that the car- 
bonic gas would put out the light?” 

“So it will; but if three parts of air should be 
added to one part of the gas it will make an ex- 
plosive m ixture, — ^that is, a mixture which will burn, 
as there has been enough oxygen added to support 
combustion. ’ ’ 

“In what way could enough air mix with the gas 
to make it bum ? ” 

“By stirring it; the movement of the body might 
make an admixture just above the surface of the 
gas, which would burn, and that might mean a catas- 
trophe for us.” 

‘ ‘ Then we are certainly stopped at this cave. ’ ’ 

“Not by any means,” rejoined John, and he saw 
the boys’ faces smiling again. “We must make a 
safety lamp.” 

“Do you mean a lamp that will not explode the 
gas, although it has enough oxygen to ‘ support com- 
bustion,’ as you say?” 

“Exactly. Have you ever heard of the Hum- 
phrey Davy lamp? Well, that was invented to meet 
the very condition found here.” 

“Tell us about it.” 

“In 1816 Davy discovered that a flame would not 
pass through a fine wire gauze, while conducting 
some experiments. It occurred to him that use 


THE CHIEF FAMILY 


159 


could be made of this discovery by surrounding the 
flame of a lamp with gauze, and the well-known lamp 
was built on that principle. ’ ’ 

^‘What I am curious to know is, that if it will not 
bum the gas, will it go out if it gets down in the 
gasT’ 

‘‘Yes; because enough air, or oxygen must go 




through the mesh to support combustion of the flame 
itself. If it does not get enough it is smothered. ^ ’ 
“Then why not make a lamp of that kind?’’ 

“But where can we get enough gauze to make a 
cylinder big enough to go around a lamp ? ” 

John laughed at the serious predicament, which 
expressed itself in the faces of the boys. “That is 
true,” he said; “but if we can get a small piece of 


160 TKEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


tin, we can punch it full of fine holes, and probably 
make that answer.^’ 

‘‘We haven T anything in the way of tin large 
enough to go around a lamp, but here is a round piece, 
about three inches in diameter.’’ 

“That will answer; punch that as full of holes as 
possible, and be sure they are very small.” 

“What shall we use for a lamp?” 

Jghn was already looking around, and soon spied 
a tree in the distance that looked like a small pine, 



and beneath that he found some cones, a dozen of 
which were picked up. 

“That is a pine tree, isn’t it?” 

“Yes ; these cones will burn for some time.” 

“But they will not make much of a light.” 

“No; but we are not after a light, but they will 
do for testing purposes.” 

The accompanying sketches show how it was made. 
A plate was used for a base, on which the burning 


THE CHIEF’S FAMILY 


161 


cone was placed. A half dozen twigs were then pro- 
vided, and these were bent U-shaped, after being 
secured together at their middle portions, and the 
lower ends held by a cord, and this was then inverted, 
and a piece of thin cotton goods, of a single thickness, 
only was wound around the little frame, leaving an 
opening at the top, which was covered by the per- 
forated tin disk. 

There, now we have an article which provides 
for the admission of air, through the cotton goods, 
and the product of combustion can escape through 
the perforated opening at the top.” 

The hoys danced around with joy, when the cone 
was ignited, and a bale, which was simply a string, 
attached, so it could be carried conveniently. 

This time they went on, far beyond the place where 
the poor dogs lay. Occasionally John would lower 
the device, and when it descended too far, the knot 
would begin to smoke, and this was explained by the 
statement that as it went into the carbon gas, less and 
less air was supplied, which caused the flame to die 
down. 

The cave was similar to the others, being white 
from the lime deposits, hut in all their wanderings 
they had never seen anything to compare with the 
beautiful hangings noted in the interior, particularly 
in the chambers, which they passed, one after the 
other, four of which were especially admired. 

Ephraim was intensely interested. He never had 
taken the trouble to visit any of these caverns, and 
was not disposed to take much stock in the many tales 
that had been related about the weird interiors. 

can now understand,” he said, ^^why the natives 


162 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


possessed such a fear of them. I have faced many 
perilous conditions, during my life here, but I confess 
if I had any faith in the superstitions about these 
places, they would have paralyzed me, now that I 
have seen their ghostly appearance.’’ 

They suddenly emerged into a spacious chamber, 
so large that their voices seemed to reverberate. 
The flash lights were directed to all sides and to the 
immense vaulted and icicle-covered ceiling. John 
stood the lamp on the ground. It was free from the 
dangerous gas. The floor was fairly level, but it was 
covered with the broken hangings from the ceiling. 

‘‘I see an outlet, directly opposite the one we came 
by,” exclaimed George. 

The party hastened across the intervening space. 
They were traveling along the greatest length of the 
chamber. Midway between the two openings were 
two other side openings, and John stopped and ex- 
claimed : ^ Ht is true ! W e have found it ! ” 

The boys had never seen John so agitated before. 
They pressed around and requested an explanation, 
but he fumbled in his pocket, and soon drew forth a 
carefully wrapped piece of brown paper. 

‘ ‘ This is parchment. It contains the sketch of the 
cave that has been the object of my search. I believe 
we are the only white people who have ever been 
privileged to enter it since the chart was made three 
centuries ago.” 

Ephraim, as well as the boys, glanced about them. 
What was there to excite him? Other caves had the 
same sort of formation, the chambers and the open- 
ings : and while they wondered John drew a compass 


THE CHIEF’S FAMILY 163 

from his pocket, and after holding it for a while, 
continued : 

‘‘This chamber runs north and south as you see. 
We entered on the south side. It had two other out- 
lets, one to the east, the other to the west. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Then it is the cross-shaped cave ! ’ ’ almost shouted 
George. 

“Yes,” answered John, as he fixed his eyes on the 
boys. “In the year 1620, a Spanish navigator found 
a cave, of which this is a description, and within it 
were found the remains of hundreds of people. ’ ’ 


CHAPTEK XIII 


THE CHART AND THE CAVES 

John pored over the map, without going any 
further. Evidently something was passing in his 
mind, for occasionally his eyes left the paper and he 
looked about, as though undecided. 

‘‘Do you know any more about what they found? 

“Yes; there are many incomplete portions belong- 
ing to the history, hut it may be summed up by the 
statement, that they also found an immense amount 
of treasure, much of it in the form of solid gold. 
The adventurers were wild with joy at the discov- 
ery, and took steps to remove it. 

“Before proceeding far they found carvings and 
inscriptions, the latter of which were unintelligible 
to them, but they were very curious, judging from 
the few sketches which were made. But like many 
men of their class they began to quarrel over the 
treasure, and fought each other to the death.’’ 

“That was just like the fellows who lived in the 
cave at the Cataract,” suggested Harry. 

“No doubt that was over the treasure, too, there, 
as well as here. Four of the men escaped, only to 
be chased by savages, and after finally reaching their 
vessel were almost wrecked because they did not have 
enough properly to man the ship. 

‘ ‘ After reaching civilization, they engaged a num- 

164 


THE CHAET AND THE CAVES 165 


ber of men, and returned. Some went in, among 
them two of the original discoverers. They did not 
return for some days, and another party went in, 
but they did not return. 

‘^Only one of the four remained, and when their 
companions did not return, the others took fright 
and returned to the vessel. Juan Guiterez was the 
name of the sole survivor of the first expedition. 
The adventurers who accompanied him declared that 
he and his company had lured them to the strange 
isle, in order to destroy them, and on the return to 
the first Spanish port, he was cast into prison, and 
remained a prisoner for nearly twenty years. 

‘ ‘ This chart, or what remains of it, or from which 
this copy was made was written by him while in 
prison, but the singular thing is, that while he was 
explicit in many things, he did not leave a clue as 
to the location of the island. Many of the things on 
it, as you see, are very faint.’’ 

The boys now examined the chart for the first time. 
Harry started back in surprise, as he pointed to the 
chart, and looked up at John. ‘‘Why, there are the 
same marks we found on the skull at Wonder 
Island!” he exclaimed in great excitement. 

‘ ‘ Quite true ! and do you now wonder why I have 
been so much interested to find the location! Chance 
has thrown this opportunity our way. It is true we 
might be mistaken, but the description fits.” 

It would require pages to tell about what they 
found in the recesses of the cavern. Hundreds and 
hundreds of skeletons were discovered, and the most 
curious tablets and carvings in hieroglyphics were 
scattered in the adjoining chamber. 


166 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


Peculiarly-formed tools, implements of warfare, 
also of metal, small slabs of uniform size, and with 
characters on both sides, which might have been the 
historical books of the singular people who lived here 
ages ago, were in profusion not only in the large 
chamber, but in the most unexpected places. 

To John it was a vast storehouse of archeological 
wealth. To the boys it was much more. There were 
still some things that John did not explain, and which 
they wanted to know. 

‘ ‘ Do you believe that the different parties went in 
and never came back again asked George. 

“I have no doubt but the account was true.’^ 

^ ‘What became of themP’ 

‘ ‘ They probably met the fate that almost overtook 
us when we first went in,’’ was the answer. 

The parchment was correct in the main details, as 
to the records within the cave, but there were no 
treasure, nor could any trace be found of them. They 
spent several days in the search, but to no avail. 
The boys were not much disappointed, it may be said, 
but they were gratified to know that John had accom- 
plished the one desire of his life, and they knew, 
also, that it would be a source of great joy to the 
Professor. 

It was found that the cave entrance at the oppo- 
site side of the hill was the northern outlet to the 
same set of caverns, and Ephraim did not know of 
any others that existed in the northern part, so that 
they did not feel it to be desirable to take up more 
time in this direction. 

They had now found two isles, besides their own 
loved island, and when they assembled that evening 


THE CHAET AND THE CAVES 167 


in the cabin of the Pioneer, they had a most earnest 
conversation as to the results of their latest enter- 
prise. 

‘‘We have sought the treasures of the islands, and 
what have we accomplished T’ asked George. 

‘ ‘ What have we accomplished f I have been think- 
ing that to find the natives here, and to he able to 
help them, is a pretty big thing in itself,’^ answered 
Harry. 

‘ ‘ That is true, ’ ’ he responded, ‘ ‘ and the same thing 
might be said, also, about the wonderful products 
of the islands ; they are certainly worth coming here 
for. I wonder what Blakely would say if he knew 
of all there is here, and the knack shown by the na- 
tives to handle the things?’^ 

“I am in sympathy with your views,’’ said John. 
‘ ‘ Treasures, like gold and silver, are worth seeking 
for, but when you find that the earth is inviting peo- 
ple to till it, and there are people who, through igno- 
rance, do not know how the earth can be utilized, it 
is a great privilege to be able to help them, and 
the recollection of what you have done will be the 
greatest treasure not only to you but to the poor 
people that have been benefited. ’ ’ 

“I think Ephraim’s story is a wonderful one,” 
said George, “but he could not go far. His educa- 
tion was limited, but see what he has done with the 
little he knew.” 

“It was curious, however, that the cannibals had 
fear for him. I cannot understand that,” rejoined 
Harry. 

“Savages are children only. They have the ca- 
pacities of full grown men, but have never had the 


168 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


opportunities. Their superstitions lead them into 
singular forms of reasonings. With them the de- 
formed are objects of curiosity, and generally, of 
reverence. Those mentally deficient are regarded as 
possessing a superior spirit.’’ 

“I remember that the Professor told us so on one 
occasion, but it seems to be singular that they should 
get that view. How do you account f or it ? ” 

‘‘That is a trait, or, I may say, a belief which is 
not at all uncommon among civilized people. 
Throughout Europe many men, who lived years ago, 
are reverenced as Saints, and, who, from the accounts 
given of them, were demented. Why, it is even 
claimed that there is but one step from the abnor- 
mally gifted to the insane person. ’ ’ 

“Is that really so regarded among learned men?” 
“It has been the subject of many remarkable books 
which have been written to show that genius and in- 
sanity are closely allied. Take, for instance, the 
case of Blind Tom, an ignorant negro, who, although 
he could not read, nor did he know a single note of 
music, was able, nevertheless, to play the most mar- 
velous music, and repeat, at a single hearing, an en- 
tire musical score. ’ ’ 

“But such talents, as that, I have heard, is only in 
some particular direction. He was not able to do 
anything else,” suggested George. 

‘ ‘ Quite true. But it is so with what is called gen- 
ius. I once knew a learned minister, a leading pro- 
fessor in one of the colleges, who was absolutely de- 
void of any other phase of education, except theology. 
He could not master the first rudiments of mathe- 
matics, and knew no more of astronomy than a ten 


THE CHAET AND THE CAVES 169 


year old boy, but be was supreme in bis particular 
branch of knowledge/^ 

But tbe great question with John and tbe boys 
was tbe future. Two islands bad been discovered. 
Some of tbe mysteries of tbe past three years had 
been solved, but others still remained ; in fact, those 
which interested them the most, were still shrouded 
in a veil through which there was only the slightest 
glimpse. 

John felt that their first duty would be thoroughly 
to explore the island to the north and west of the 
village, and thus enable them to make a complete 
I report when they returned to Wonder Island, and 
: this course was finally decided upon. 

The spirit of J ohn had now entered Ephraim. He 
‘ had fully agreed to accompany them in the Pioneer ^ 
I and learn of their great work on that island. He 
j said that it was his duty to his children and to the 
j natives who had stood by him so nobly, to provide 
for their future welfare. 

He was most active in arousing the people to an 
understanding of the mission of John and the boys. 
Within a day, all preparations were made for the 
journey through the island, and Ephraim was with 
them in order to learn all that might be necessary, 
so that when he returned he could advise the people. 

For more than a week they tramped through the 
attractive portions of the land, and then the day was 
set for departure. 

have been thinking of making a trip to your 
friends in the South, said John, as they were dining 
at Ephraim’s home, the day before the date of sail- 
ing. 


170 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘ ^ That would please me more than anything else, ’ ^ 
replied Ephraim. ‘Ht occurs to me that is the first 
step toward peace and prosperity on the island. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Then we shall sail to their village, and from that 
place go to Venture Island, where we had our first 
adventures, stopping, on the way at Hutoton, where 
they have a criminal colony. ’ ’ 

^ ^ What is that ? ^ ’ inquired Ephraim. ‘ ‘ A criminal 
colony 

‘‘Yes,^^ said John. ‘‘On the large island to the 
south, which we discovered before we came here we 
found a singular condition of things. Near the 
southern end of the island we came into contact with 
a tribe ruled over by a Chief, named Beralsea, a pow- 
erful man; in fact, there is no law there except the 
will of the Chief. ’ ’ 

The boys were now laughing immoderately, and 
Ephraim was moved to smiles at their mirth. “It 
must have been very amusing, I have no doubt, ’ ’ he 
said. 

“We were thinking of the jolly time we had when 
Sutoto married the Chief’s daughter,” said George. 

“We shall tell you all about it on our way there,” 
added Harry. 

“I was about to say,” continued John, as he also 
smiled at the reminiscence, that his views on theft 
were most peculiar. He did not regard it as a crime 
if the people stole from each other. But if they at- 
tempted to steal from him, or tried to deceive him, 
it was such a great crime, that the unfortunates were 
banished to a place called Hutoton, which, as he 
stated, meant the Place of Death. 

“We were informed that it was a terrible place. 


THE CHAET AND THE CAVES 171 


and when a man was sentenced it also meant a like 
sentence to all of his family, and that no one was 
ever known to retnm from that horrible prison 
home. ’ ’ 

have heard, bnt only vagnely, that there was 
snch a place, bnt had no idea that it was so near 
to ns. Bnt did yon verify the character of the 
place 

‘‘We went there, and instead of finding a barren 
and nninviting spot, and misery and want, we saw 
a lovely village, and people so mnch more advanced 
than those in the village mled over by the Chief, that 
we were amazed. 

‘ ‘ The rnler there treated ns handsomely, and had 
even taken care in the most kindly manner, of a white 
man who had escaped the rigors of the sea some 
years before, and who was demented, or incapable, 
throngh paralysis, of recognizing those aronnd him.’^ 

Ephraim started as John said this. “A white 
man, did yon say? How old was he? Where is he 
now ? ^ ’ 

“We sent him to Wonder Island where the Pro- 
fessor has taken care of him, no donbt,’’ Harry in- 
terjected. 

“Yon appear agitated. Have I recalled anything 
that might give a cine to his identity ?’’ qneried John. 

“No; it conld not be possible! It was merely a 
passing fancy. Strange, how things sometimes will 
affect yon. No, I do not know that I can add any- 
thing to yonr knowledge concerning him. ’ ’ The snb- 
ject was not again allnded to dnring that day. 

Ephraim and his family were taken aboard the 
Pioneer, Everything was marvelons to them. The 
124 


172 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


cabin with its complete fumishin^s^s, the musical in- 
struments, the phonograph, the piano player, which 
acted like a wizard, because it gave out the sweet mu- 
sical tones, as though it were a living thing, and then 
a moving picture screen, which was the last thing the 
boys installed before they left New York, made up 
a series of entertainments for the family that had no 
end of marvels for them. 

‘^To think of it; for fifty-two years this is the first 
time I have paced the decks of a vessel. It is the 
happiest day of my life.^’ And Ephraim could 
scarcely keep the tears from coming. Happiness 
shows itself in that way with the strongest, not with 
the weakest. The strong man can stand the mis- 
eries and the sutferings much better and with a 
braver front than the weak; but excessive joy will 
break him down so that he manifests it more easily. 

John saw his emotion and sympathized with him. 
Taking him by the arm he led him to the cabin for- 
ward, and as they entered the cozy library, he pointed 
to the books. This was the end of Ephraim for that 
day. 

Without leaving the room he moved from case to 
case and scanned shelf after shelf, and when John, 
on one occasion came in, he heard him mutter: ‘Hs 
there another place like this on earth 

Late that evening the Pioneer took down part of 
its sail as they approached land in the distance. 

‘‘We are nearing Hutoton,’^ shouted George. 

Stut ordered the whistle to blow, and before the 
landing was reached the shore was lined with the 
people. They soon recognized the visitors, and the 


THE CHAKT AND THE CAVES 173 


boats were prepared before the anchor finally 
dropped. 

The entire crew of the Pioneer went ashore, and 
Ephraim was curious to see the head man, and have 
a conversation about the manner in which the colony 
was conducted. 

The boys could not understand the change of plans. 
Why did they not stop at the southern part of the 
island, and visit the Malosos, who were supposed to 
be Ephraim’s enemies? 

It was learned that John and Ephraim, after the 
vessel started, concluded it would be wiser to visit 
Hutoton first and get all the information possible 
from them concerning the time, condition, and cir- 
cumstances of the casting ashore of the white man 
found there when John and his party made their 
visit. 

In explanation of their action, it may be well, also, 
to state that they still had on board of the Pioneer^ 
the white man they had rescued or taken from the 
stockade in the Malosos village, and that there were 
certain things in his tale that seemed improbable to 
John. 

The visit to Hutoton might be able to clear up the 
mystery, and possibly establish the identity of the 
paralyzed man, and in that event it would not be 
necessary to go directly to the Malosos village but 
await their return from Venture Island before visit- 
ing the village. 

While the old man was being taken from the ves- 
sel, Greorge went to John and inquired: ‘^Did he 
ever tell you his name?” 


174 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘ ‘ Oh, yes ; he says it is Henry D. Retlaw. ’ ’ 

All noticed that he stole furtive glances about him 
as he was being conveyed to the village. 

‘‘Were you ever here before asked John, as they 
neared the house of the magistrate. 

He shook his head vigorously, and answered 
“No with a vehemence that startled John. 


CHAPTEE XIV 


RESCUE ISLAND 

Orders had gone out to prepare to receive the vis- 
itors in true Hutoton style, but, in truth, the people 
did not need any urging. The remembrance of the 
last visit, when the gifts were so judiciously dis- 
tributed, was sufficient to assure a generous wel- 
come. 

It was out of the question to leave that night, and 
J ohn felt it to be a duty to cultivate their acquaint- 
ance, and confer with the chief magistrate about 
starting the people at work gathering the native 
products. 

John announced that within a month it was pro- 
posed to establish regular sailings between that port 
and Wonder Island, which would enable them to get 
supplies and ship their products each week. This 
intelligence was then imparted to the people, who 
received it with the greatest enthusiasm. 

‘‘One of the objects of the present visit is to take 
you with us to Wonder Island, said John, address- 
ing the leader, ‘ ‘ so that you may learn what we are 
doing, and come back prepared to instruct your peo- 
ple. ^ ^ 

When this information was conveyed to him, he 
cast down his eyes, and said sorrowfully: “But I 
am a convict, like the others, and I have been con- 

175 


176 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


demned to stay here. If I leave this place I disobey 
the law of the Chief. ’ ’ 

John smiled as he replied: have provided for 

all that. You will meet your Chief Beralsea in 
Unity, the Capital of Wonder Island. Hutoton is 
no longer the terrible place that the Chief pictured 
to us. He told me that your assistance was neces- 
sary to him and to the people in the colony.^’ 

This information was received in gratitude, and 
his consent was thus readily obtained. 

After a night of feasting, preparations were made 
for the departure. Retlaw was brought to the place 
where the paralyzed man was discovered, and the 
leader Caramo accompanied them. 

The moment Caramo saw him he turned to John 
and said : ^ H have seen that face before. I am sure 

he accompanied another man when on one occasion 
a boat load came ashore a long way to the south of 
us.’’ 

‘ ^ How long ago was that ? ’ ’ 

‘‘Not more than three suns ago.” 

It must be understood that three suns meant with 
these people, three years by our reckoning. When 
Retlaw was examined he denied that he had ever 
been on the island before, and, of course, there was 
no way to discredit his statements. After all, Ca- 
ramo might be mistaken in identifying him, as they 
were some distance apart at the time the island was 
supposed to have been visited by Retlaw. 

At noon of the following day the Pioneer weighed 
anchor, and set sail for the southern port of the 
northern island, there to visit Chief Ta Babeda, of 
the Malolos. 


RESCUE ISLAND 


177 


While they were skimming the shore south of the 
village, Greorge said: ‘‘There is one thing we have 
neglected. We have had so much to do lately that 
we haven’t found time for it, but there is an oppor- 
tunity now. ’ ’ 

“What is that?” asked Harry. 

“We have no name for the island to which we are 
now going. We might consult Ephraim. It would 
be hardly fair to impose any sort of name on his 
country,” suggested George, with a good humored 
laugh. 

Ephraim was delighted at the idea. “We must 
have a name, assuredly, but it never occurred to me 
before. The natives called it Rescudada; at any 
rate that is as near as I can recall the pronunciation 
of the word. ’ ’ 

“Why, that is almost like Rescue.” 

“Why wouldn’t that be a good name?” asked Eph- 
raim. “There has been considerable rescue work 
here, and it is going on all the time. ’ ’ 

“That’s the name for it!” exclaimed Harry, em 
thusiastically. 

“Suppose we notify General John and Skipper 
Stut that the Geographical Society has just named 
the island ‘Rescue’?” 

This important function was attended to and a 
note made in the log that the island discovered in 
south latitude 41° 37' 10", and west longitude 138° 
2' 56", by the steamship Pioneer y was formally named 
Rescue. 

Long before the village was reached the great fog 
horn of the Pioneer commenced to give the signal. 
The villagers knew what it meant, and the old Chief 


178 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


himself was at the landing place to welcome the vis- 
itors. 

The boats were manned by the sailors, and the 
boys, together with John, Ephraim, and Caramo, 
were in the first boat. When Ta Babeda gazed at 
Ephraim, he was astounded. John had not in- 
formed hiTn of the name of his visitor, but he con- 
tinued to gaze at him in amazement. 

It was evident that the old Chief was impressed 
with his appearance, so unlike anything he had ever 
before known in the form of a human being. When 
they arrived at the Chief ^s house, John awaited the 
proper time before making the introductions, and 
finally said : 

^Ht gives me pleasure to introduce to you, the 
greatest enemy you have. This is Eumisses, the 
Cannibal Chief of the Umholos. ^ ^ 

The Chief was startled beyond measure. True, 
he knew that John and his party had come into con- 
tact with his arch enemy, but this was certainly a 
thrilling way to bring them together. 

Ephraim walked forward and seized the Chief by 
the hand, and then pressed his nose against him. 
This was, of course, s 3 m[ibolic of friendship. 

The Chief unhesitatingly accepted the token, but 
he could not remove his eyes. Here was the man, 
so unlike all others, and the impression of superi- 
ority, undoubtedly, was also in his mind, but Eph- 
raim quickly relieved him of his reflections, as he 
said: 

^‘Because I am so unlike you, is not due to any 
particular knowledge, or favor from the Great Spirit. 
I am a white man, like the Great Chief here, and was 


EESCUE ISLAND 


179 


unfortunate to be cast among the natives in the north, 
and I have tried for many years to prevent the prac- 
ticing of the sacrifices, and have succeeded.’^ 

‘^But we were told that all the people you cap- 
tured from us were sacrificed/’ 

‘^It is not true. They are all living with us in 
perfect happiness and contentment. ’ ’ 

‘‘Then why is it that we have been so much de- 
ceived?” 

‘ ‘ Because the Korinos have not told you the truth. 
They did this because they knew no better. ’ ’ 

“Yes; the White Chief has told us that they have 
deceived us, and I believe him. But I learn that my 
Korinos have gone to you for protection?” 

“Yes ; and I have shielded them, and they are now 
on board of the vessel in the harbor.” 

This information brought back all the native re- 
sentment of the old Chief. “Then he has brought 
them back to me !” he exclaimed in great earnestness. 

“I believe he intends to do so, but it will not be 
until they go to Wonder Island, that marvelous 
place.” 

‘ ‘ Then I am content. ’ ’ 

John heard the conversation, and soon turned it 
into another direction, when he informed the Chief 
that the Chief of Venture Island as well as the leader 
of the criminal colony, were to accompany them to 
Wonder Island, and that the company would be in- 
complete without him and his family. 

He looked at his visitors for some time, doubting 
in his mind the propriety of such a course, but the 
entreaties of Ephraim, and the urging of Muro and 
Uraso, were sufficient to decide the question, and 


180 TREASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


the only matter that now weighed on his mind was 
to determine who should accompany him in this won- 
derful voyage. 

Ta Babeda had never summoned up sufficient cour- 
age, while the ship was formerly in port, to board 
the vessel. His examination of the Pioneer was 
made from the shore. Now he would step into a 
new world. 

He little knew what wonders would be exhibited to 
him. The ship’s band was the greatest thing he 
had ever known, and he never tired of its music. 
But when he saw the curious piano, the music box 
that acted as though it had life, and the other evi- 
dences of civilized arts, that were found in the cabin, 
he was content to make the best of it. 

Like all natives, as we have already stated, he 
was immoderately fond of eating, and the kitchen 
arrangements, where food was cooked without any 
fuel, interested him beyond everything else. He 
would sit at the entrance of the kitchen for minutes 
at a time. 

The push buttons, the snap switches for the elec- 
tric lights and for the cooking apparatus, were some 
things which he could not understand. The little 
innocent wires meant nothing to him, nor could the 
boys, or even John, explain the phenomenon to him 
so he could understand it. 

The boys puzzled over this, as he was insistent 
upon an explanation. What finally happened, the 
very thing the boys tried to avoid in every way, came 
when he touched the two wires, and formed a short 
circuit through his hand. 

He emitted one yell, and bounded out through the 


EESCUE ISLAND 


181 


door, and it was some time before he could be in- 
duced to make further investigations. His expres- 
sions were very humorous, particularly when he in- 
sisted that the wires were mad, and didn^t like him, 
and that they tried to pull his arms out of his shoul- 
ders. 

Harry then took two of the wires and brought them 
together, and then pulled them apart. Each time 
this was done, a spark would flash. The object was 
to show that two wires were necessary to produce a 
circuit or a current. 

Eventually an inspiration seemed to strike him, 
as he exclaimed : ‘ ^ They are married ! Yes, I see 

The boys laughed as they told John of the cir- 
cumstance, and how utterly impossible it was to 
produce a current until a circuit was established. 

John threw himself back and roared at the recital 
of the story, as told by the boys. ‘‘I think his de- 
scription is a pretty good one. Perhaps he was 
thinking of the family circle?’’ and John continued 
to laugh as the boys tried to grasp the full meaning 
of his little joke. 

But Ta Babeda was an apt pupil. He was far 
more acute than Beralsea, and there scarcely was an 
hour but he had one of the boys at his side trying to 
fathom some of the mysteries in the new world. 
This was in the nature of a picnic for the boys, who 
enjoyed his curious questions and his equally unex- 
pected comments. 

Ephraim, too, was generally present, as well as 
Gamma, his eldest son, the latter evincing remarka- 
ble knowledge for one who had never known of the 
wizardry that resides in wood and stones and iron. 


182 TKEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


To Ephraim this opportunity to open the wide 
world to his children must have been a heaven of 
delight, and he reveled in every hour and even re- 
gretted that nature demanded sleep. It seemed to 
be better awake and seeing and feeling. Two weeks 
prior to this he had merely existed; now he was a 
man again, and living. 

It was, indeed, a merry party on board of the 
noble ship. When the Chief, and those about him 
were told that the vessel was the creation of George 
and Harry, it was another occasion to marvel 
over. 

‘^Your boys can do the same thing, and make 
other things just as wonderful,’’ said John, as they 
were commending and petting the boys. 

^‘Do you think sof” asked Ta Babeda, in great 
earnestness, and for the first time showing any curi- 
osity or indicating any desire to give his children 
any advantages. 

John saw that the leaven was working, as he re- 
plied : ‘ ^ That is why I have been so anxious to have 

you and your children visit our city. Your wife 
and daughters will find as many surprising things to 
interest them as the boys will discover.” 

The run from Eescue to Wonder Island, would 
occupy, ordinarily, about ten hours, of a complete 
day, and for that reason the start was made early 
in the morning. Unity was about eight miles from 
the sea, on a large stream, and it was desirable to 
make the run through the river by daylight. 

But shortly before noon a wind sprang up from 
the west, and it increased in intensity, so that shortly 
after the noon hour they were compelled to make a 


EESCUE ISLAND 183 

long tack to the south. This meant a night on board 
ship, and a stormy one at that. 

The wide, wide sea, without the sign of any land 
in sight was, indeed, a fascinating thing to the na- 
tives, and how they admired the native sailors with 
wdiom they readily fraternized. They watched 
every movement, the taking down of the sails, the 
changing of the angles of the great sheets, as they 
turned in their course, the handling of the tiller, 
and all the paraphernalia of sailing, for the Pioneer 
depended principally on her sailing capacity, and 
not on the small engine with which she was equipped. 

The boys explained to Canuna, that upon their re- 
turn to the island a much larger engine would be 
installed, so that they need not depend upon the 
sails thereafter, but would be able then to sail di- 
rectly through the wind, instead of being blown back 
and forth, as was now the case. 

The wind did not abate until the morning was 
breaking, and then there was a welcome change in 
the direction that the storm was taking. Many of 
the natives were ill, and John had the satisfaction 
of administering the new and lately-discovered rem- 
edy, namely. Atropine. 

Shortly after ten o’clock the eastern end of Won- 
der Island was sighted. The great mountain range 
was visible, and the identical headland, where the 
skull with the inscription was found, could be dis- 
cerned through the mild haze. 

There was immense curiosity on board the ship as 
it skirted along the shore. The Tuolo landing place 
was sighted, but they continued past it. Two hours 
afterward they could plainly see the dock which had 


184 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


been built for the use of Uraso’s people, and an hour 
later Muro was just as much interested to point out 
to Ephraim and Ta Babeda the landing station of 
his tribe. 

Immediately after luncheon, George, who was al- 
ways on the alert, ran through the vessel, with his 
field glass in hand, and announced that the Wonder, 
the large steamship, which made trips to Chili, was 
coming up in the distance, and heading, as they were, 
for the mouth of Enterprise Eiver, which flowed past 
the city. 

All were intensely excited at the announcement, 
and rushed forward to get a glimpse of the great 
ship. As she came up the streamers began to fly 
from every spar and mast, and Harry ran up to Stut, 
and asked why the Pioneer did not have them out. 

‘‘But they are ready and will be flovm as soon as 
we get nearer. ’ ’ As he said this the first ones were 
unfurled. Then the Wonder blew three long blasts 
which the Pioneer answered. 

“They are going to let us go in first,’’ said John. 
Such was, indeed, the case, for the Wonder slowed 
down, and the Pioneer entered the mouth of the 
river, for the last eight miles of the eventful cruise. 

Two miles from the town both vessels began to 
blow signals with the fog horns, and long before the 
wharf was reached the people began to flock from 
all sides. 

One little incident pleased the boys beyond all 
measure. On the bridge, and furiously waving his 
arms, and swinging an American flag was Sutoto, 
with his bride by his side. 


EESCUE ISLAND 


185 


Sntoto has been on a wedding trip to Chili!’’ 
remarked Harry. 

Such was the case, as they afterwards learned. 
Both boys were hnsy explaining the sights and the 
locations of the ditferent buildings to Beralsea and 
Ephraim, and the latter was much atfected as he 
saw the flag floating from the tall staff in the prin- 
cipal square of the city. 

Beralsea had seen Sutoto wave the flag from the 
bridge of the Wonder, and when he saw the same 
sort of emblem on the staff, he inquired of Ephraim 
the meaning of the curious thing. It was then ex- 
plained to him that it was the magic combination 
of colors which their great tribe believed in, and 
which was always raised above them wherever they 
were, as a symbol that they were protected by it. 

‘‘But how can that protect the people! Is there 
something in it like the unseen lightning, which we 
have on the ship ! ’ ’ 

“Unseen lightning, is a pretty good name, coming 
from a savage,” remarked Harry in an undertone. 

“No; not in that way,” answered Ephraim, “but 
whenever people see it, wherever they may be, they 
know that the tribe is great enough to give protec- 
tion to any one who may try to injure any member 
of our tribe.” 

“The White Chief has told me that there are 
many islands and countries, and that the world is 
round, and is peopled by many different tribes. Do 
the people everywhere know that ‘flag,’ as you call 
it!” 

“ Yes ; in every part of the world. ’ ’ 


186 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘‘Who are those two men standing there alone 
asked Ta Baheda. 

“I do not know/’ responded Ephraim. “This is 
the first time I have been here. The boys will 
know. ’ ’ 

“That,” answered George, “is the Professor, — 
that is, the man with a white beard and hair. The 
large man by his side is Beralsea, the Chief of the 
tribe on Venture Island.” 

Ephraim looked at Ta Baheda for a moment, with 
an amused smile, and then remarked: “He is al- 
most as large as you are.” 

The Wonder was the first to get her cables to the 
dock, and as she swung against the wharf, and the 
gang plank was fixed in place, the first ones to spring 
ashore were Sutoto and Cinda, the latter of whom 
rushed to her father’s outstretched arms, and then 
to her mother and the other members of the family. 

The boys did not know how or where to extend 
the first greetings. There was Sutoto and Lolo, and 
the dear old Professor, who considerately kept in the 
background, but the boys insisted on giving him the 
first greeting. 


CHAPTEE XV 


THE EETURN TO WONDEE ISLAND 

‘ ^ That was an awfully sly thing to do, as soon as 
our backs were turned,^’ said George, as Sutoto and 
Ginda were finally free from the vigorous greetings. 

‘‘What is thatr’ asked Cinda. 

“To run away without giving us notice!’’ 

“But we have seen the great wide world, and it is 
wonderful, and I can never tell the people here how 
grand it is. ’ ’ 

And then the boys looked at Cinda, and when they 
saw the latest fashions displayed, the prettiest gown, 
the neatest slippers, and the stunning hat they took 
off their caps, and made a neat bow in recognition 
of that feminine touch of character which so readily 
adapts the sex for acquiring the latest fashions 
wherever they may be. 

Every one was wild with excitement. “There is 
Blakely ! ’ ’ shouted Harry. ‘ ‘ Hurrah 1 old boy ! W e 
have the place for you to visit, as soon as possible. 
The finest island you ever saw, and the people all 
ready for business.” 

“My hands are full now; we must have another 
ship. Look at the Wonder; she is so full of goods 
that we are more than eight hours behind time. But 
I am arranging for another steamer. ’ ’ 

“Too bad that we are finding more islands than 
125 187 


188 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


you can handle/’ responded George; suppose we 
shall have to find another manager?” 

‘^Or several assistants,” said Blakely. 

^‘What are all these men here for?” asked Harry. 

Why the whole island must have come to town. ” 

‘‘Well, we have had to send for all the spare men 
from the different tribes. Fifty of the Tuolos just 
came in this morning, and thirty of the Iliyas ar- 
rived yesterday, with their families. The Wonder 
must be unloaded, and start back again before six 
this evening. But what did you find that looks as 
good as Venture Island?” 

“Eescue Island; a dandy place, and much bigger 
than Venture Island. And what do you think? We 
found a chief there who is a white man,” remarked 
George. 

‘ ‘ A white man ? Where is he from ? ’ ’ 

“Massachusetts; and he is humpbacked, but as 
bright as can be.” 

“I saw him, did I not? He was on the Pioneer?'' 

“Yes; there he is with Ta Babeda.” 

“Ta what?” 

“That’s the Chief’s name who owned the other 
tribe on Eescue Island. Isn’t he an immense fel- 
low? But he is a brick; I can tell you. Come over 
and I’ll introduce you,” and Harry pulled Blakely 
over while the latter resisted, as the men were con- 
stantly besieging Blakely for orders. 

“Never mind the work now. Get acquainted with 
the hig men first,” and the Professor laughed as he 
saw the boys forcibly tug at Blakely and haul him 
over to the group. 


THE EETURN TO WONDER ISLAND ’l89 


^ ‘ This is one of the big men we have on the island/ ’ 
said Harry to Ta Babeda, and the latter looked at 
Blakely for a moment, and began to smile, for while 
Blakely was chunky he was not at all large, if the 
Chief might be taken as a standard. 

He took Ta Babeda ^s hand, and welcomed him 
most heartily, and then turned to Ephraim, and also 
extended a greeting. 

‘‘This is the man who does all the business,’’ said 
Harry, ‘ ‘ and he is going to make you a visit. ’ ’ At 
this point they were interrupted. 

‘ ‘ Shall we store all the pineapples aft,” said a man 
hurriedly. 

“No; put them amidship,” he answered. 

“We have no crates for the vegetables,” said an- 
other. 

‘ ‘Never mind, put them in the large boxes, and they 
can be crated on the way. ’ ’ 

“Some more men have just come; what shall we 
put them at I” was the report of another, and so 
from one to the other, Blakely was ever ready with 
a prompt answer. 

The Chiefs and Ephraim watched and wondered 
at Blakely and his constant readiness to entertain 
them, meanwhile giving orders to hundreds of the 
workers who were crowding about. It was an ob- 
ject lesson of what business meant, and the boys felt 
proud and happy to see the great ability which he 
displayed. 

But what a happy day it was for the Professor. 
He and John were in close conference, after the 
formal introductions were over. “There is some- 


190 TREASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


thing brewing/^ said George as he nudged Harry, 
and cast a glance toward the place where they stood 
in earnest conversation. 

‘H do believe John is telling him about the cop- 
per box ; and by the way, he has never spoken about 
that since we took it out of the cave. That is just 
what he is doing ; see, he is indicating the size of it. ’ ^ 

Harry laughed, as he answered: am satisfied 

they will not do anything rash, without consulting 
us,^^ and George laughed at Harry’s view of the 
case. 

They had been absent from the island a little over 
a month. During their absence the new hotel was 
completed and was now in running order. This be- 
came the headquarters for the visitors. While it 
was only two stories in height, it contained nearly 
a hundred rooms, and the utmost effort was made to 
make all of them comfortable. 

The boys had their own rooms, and could not be 
induced to give them up. John and the Professor 
also maintained their old rooms, which were most 
comfortable, and attached to the Professor’s apart- 
ments was a large room where the people came daily 
to see him and consult about their many wants. 

He never failed to see them. It mattered not who 
called, it was unvarying custom to greet all alike. 
The affection for him in the minds of the people grew 
stronger day by day. 

There were now five of the Chiefs on Wonder 
Island permanent residents in Unity. A great 
change had come over the feelings of the people 
with respect to the ownership of land. When the 
town was laid out, and the people began to flock to 


THE EETURN TO WONDEE ISLAND 191 


the place, attracted by its many advantages, it be- 
gan to look for a time as though the different Chiefs 
soon would find themselves without subjects. 

In addition to this the Professor recognized that 
too many of the people were expecting to be put to 
work in the city, and this would cause agriculture to 
be abandoned, whereas it was obvious that they must 
depend upon the soil for sustenance. 

John and the Professor therefore developed a 
plan which would be the means of keeping the peo- 
ple in their own sections, or, at least, encourage them 
to till the ground. 

The Chiefs in Wonder Island owned the soil. 
Their people reserved to themselves the right to hunt 
and to gather the fruits and nuts necessary to sus- 
tain life. But they had no right whatever, inde- 
pendently of the Chiefs. 

The first step, therefore, was to gain the consent 
of these rulers to a division of the land, so that all 
their people might have farms. Uraso and Muro 
were the first to agree to the plan, and it was quickly 
followed by all except the Tuolos and the Iliyas. 

The Chiefs themselves, under this plan, were to 
receive one quarter of the acreage, and of the resi- 
due, one-third was to be turned into what was called 
a state fund, to be used for schools and for admin- 
istrative purposes, while the balance was to be given 
to the people, who were to select their own land. 

For the purpose of enabling proper deeds to be 
made, it was necessary to make a survey of the 
islands, and this had been completed six months 
previously, so that many of the people who now un- 
derstood that the lands selected belonged to them. 


192 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


and could not be taken from them without their con- 
sent, were only too happy to consent to remain on 
their own land. 

But here another problem presented itself. It was 
desirable that the people should build homes on these 
farms, and Blakely and John evolved the plan to 
provide certain quantities of lumber, at a low price, 
to be paid for from the products of the land. This 
had a most stimulating effect, and applications were 
coming in from every quarter. As a result small saw 
mills were put up in the territorial limits of each of 
the tribes, so that it was an easy matter for the peo- 
ple to get the lumber near home. 

But that which taxed the energies of Blakely most, 
was to provide the farming implements and the seed 
and instruction necessary to start them on the way. 
As it was impossible to provide all the tools and 
implements required for this purpose, Blakely had 
recourse to the States, and by inserting a few ad- 
vertisements in the agricultural papers throughout 
our country, it was not long before the implements 
were forthcoming, all of which were paid for from 
the reserve fund which had been provided. 

And now another thing of the utmost importance 
happened. It was noised about from Maine to Cali- 
fornia that there Avas an immense opportunity to 
make money in the noAV Avell-known Wonder Island. 
Every return trip of the Wonder from the nearest 
South American port, brought Americans, with funds 
to invest in plantations and in setting out cotfee 
trees and banana groves. 

Many Americans came from the great ranches of 
South America, particularly Brazil, which furnishes 


THE EETURN TO WONDEE ISLAND 193 


full three-fourths of all the coffee of commerce. 
These men went through the islands and began the 
barter for the lands. 

At first this was encouraged, but it was soon dis- 
covered that the shrewd, and, more frequently than 
otherwise, the unscrupulous traders were cheating 
the unsophisticated people, so that the Professor had 
to take a firm hand, and declare that no transfers 
would be made until the sales had been investigated. 

This made the prices of lands go up by leaps and 
bounds, and the Professor told the people that they 
should not sell their holdings, as it would be nmch 
better for them to own and till the farms than to sell 
them and then work for the owners. 

All this tended to make the people appreciate that 
they really owned something — that they had wealth 
and power within their grasp. Then began, or 
rather was carried out more systematically, the 
founding of schools, and by many means the parents 
themselves were induced to attend the schools. 

All were taught English. With the large funds 
that the state had obtained in selling a portion of 
the state lands, the Professor sent for teachers from 
the United States, and these came prepared to take 
up the work all over the island. 

The most interested workers were the Korinos, as 
they were called on Eescue Island, and Krishnos on 
Wonder Island. The Professor’s first work, after 
the conquest of the savages, was to educate those 
people for teaching, and in this they were found to be 
very efficient workers. 

The Korinos brought from Eescue were placed 
under the tuition of the Krishnos, and it was sur- 


194 TREASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


prising to see how happily they regarded their lot, 
and what progress they made after they understood 
what was required. 

Although we have not a full account of all the 
products shipped from Wonder Island during the 
first six months, it might he stated that during the 
last thirty days, the shipments from the port of 
Unity, comprised 60,000 pounds of coffee, eighteen 
tons of bananas, and six hundred quintals of spices, 
besides over four hundred tons of fibres, of which 
jute formed one-half. 

It is estimated that within another year, when 
many of the large plantations should be ready to 
yield their products, that amount would be increased 
to such an extent that several additional ships would 
be necessary to carry the tonnage. 

The foregoing is particularly instanced to show 
what John could point out to the Chiefs who were 
now their guests, and to impress upon them the 
necessity and value of adopting such a land system 
as they had established. 

Ephraim readily understood and approved of the 
plan, but it was not so easy for Ta Babeda, and 
Beralsea. At the quiet suggestion of John the op- 
portunity was made whereby they were constantly 
thrown into contact with the resident chiefs. Within 
a week they accepted the suggestions and a half 
dozen surveyors were commissioned to go to the 
islands and take up the work of surveying the lands, 
and making records, which were to be put into such 
form that the Chiefs would understand them. 

One day Ephraim, in conversation with John said: 
want my boys to remain with you until they re- 


THE EETURN TO WONDER ISLAND 195 


ceive their education. I see that the opportunities 
for work are unlimited, and I would also like to send 
over a number of young men for the same purpose.^’ 

^‘Your decision pleases us immensely,’^ said John, 
‘‘and I have been wondering why your daughter 
would not also like to remain for a time, as there is 
much she can learn that will be of great help to you. ’ ’ 

Ephraim was silent for a while, while he looked 
at John, and he finally answered: “That means 
my wife will remain here also. But that has my 
hearty consent. It will be for their good, and for 
the good of my people. ’ ’ 

It was not long before Ta Babeda heard of Eph- 
raim’s decision, and he adapted the same course to 
the delight of his children. As for Beralsea, his 
favorite daughter was already the wife of the Chief 
Sutoto, of the Berees, and it was certain that she 
would remain in Unity, so that there was no dif- 
ficulty in getting his consent to sending his children 
and others who would carry on the work of educa- 
tion. 

But the boys had not, in the meantime, forgotten 
their factory. The old water wheel was still there. 
Money could not purchase it, and they would not 
permit its removal. It was the same old crude 
wheel built nearly three years before at the Cataract, 
at the other end of the island, not more than two 
miles from the rocky shore where the sea gave them 
up. 

After the return there had been so much to see 
and to learn, about the new developments, and the 
visitors required so much attention that the boys 
quite forgot the copper box, and to inquire about 


196 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


the condition of the paralyzed man who was found 
at Hutoton. 

‘‘The Professor has just told me,’’ remarked 
John, “that the old man is improving, and hopes that 
within another month he will he able to talk. ’ ’ 

“Has he any idea of what his name is?” 

“Not in the least. He keeps mumbling something 
about the triangle, or something of that kind, but 
that is, of course, unintelligible.” 

‘ ‘ I understand Eetlaw is improving, also ? ’ ’ 

“Yes; we have thought of bringing the two men 
together, as soon as the paralytic is so improved that 
he can talk. ’ ’ 

“I have often wondered what kind of a disease 
paralysis is?” inquired Harry. 

‘ ‘ Paralysis is not a disease of itself. It is merely 
a sign of some disorder of the nervous system. It 
may be shown by complete disability on one side of 
the body, or in some particular portion, and only 
certain sets of nerves may be affected.” 

“But what seems so singular is, that he is not 
only unable to speak but he cannot move about.” 

“The form of paralysis, which affects the mem- 
ory, is called dementia paralytica, and attacks the 
brain, while some portion of the body also may be 
affected.” 

“Isn’t it curable?” 

“There is little hope for a permanent cure. If 
the attack should come on suddenly it is the most 
dangerous. Where it seems to approach gradually, 
there is more likelihood of being able to check it. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ In what way is there an improvement in the old 
man?” 


THE EETURN TO WONDER ISLAND 197 


‘‘So far as tlie bodily ailment is concerned be is 
gaining. When be was brought back be was unable 
to utter a single word, nor could be move bimself 
in any way, except with one arm, and that only to 
a small degree. Now be is able to shuffle along, 
across the room, and sometimes tries to say some- 
thing, which is not distinct. The only thing which 
thus far seems intelligible is the word triangle, as I 
have stated.’^ 

“Harry spoke about the copper box this morn- 
ing. Have you opened it yetr^ asked George. 

“Oh, no ! I wouldn’t think of doing it unless you 
were present. The Professor and I have had sev- 
eral talks about it, but we have all been so busy that 
the matter has been deferred from time to time. I 
hope we shall be able to get at it to-night. ’ ’ 

While thus engaged in conversation the Professor 
appeared, smiling and happy. The boys greeted 
him alfectionately, as was their custom always. 

“Do you want to make a visit with me?” he asked. 

“Yes; where?” asked George. 

“We will go out on B Street first,” he answered. 

Together they passed the large school house, and 
crossed the open square, and entered the most beau- 
tiful of all the streets, the one laid out with rows 
of trees along the curbs, and flower beds along the 
middle portion of the driveway. 

“Can you guess where we are going?” asked the 
Professor. 

“No.” 

“Do you see the newly-painted house to the 
right?” 

“Is that where Sutoto lives?” 


198 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


^^Yes; there is Cinda. IsnT she happy, though?’’ 

They went in and were accorded a happy welcome. 
Her father, the Chief, Beralsea, and her mother, 
Minda, were there, but Sutoto was absent. 

‘^And where is the bridegroom?” asked the Pro- 
fessor. 

‘^He is in the yard somewhere. I will call him.” 
And she tripped out the steps, merry as a lark. 

Sutoto came in, and the boys simply shouted at 
his appearance. He was covered with dirt and 
grease, and made no great effort to conceal the fact. 

‘ ‘ And what have you been up to ? ” asked George. 

‘‘Come out and I will show you.” 

In the little “garage,” if it might be so termed, 
was an auto, one which Sutoto had purchased and 
brought back with him on his wedding trip. “I was 
going to send for you,” he said, addressing Harry, 
“because I have been having trouble with the car- 
bureter. ’ ’ 


CHAPTER XVI 


THE SAVAGES AT UNITY 

The boys were simply wild with delight, and 
George commenced to laugh immoderately, after 
viewing the brightly-polished machine. 

‘‘What is the matter? Anything wrong? Is it 
upside down?’’ asked Sutoto. 

“No ; I was just thinking how funny it seems that 
one of the wild savages of the island should be the 
first to import an automobile.” 

Sutoto didn’t in the least mind this allusion to his 
former condition, but the boys were the only ones 
who dared to jest with him in this manner. He 
joined in the laugh, but quickly replied : 

“But I am not the only one favored in this way.” 

“Why not?” 

“I know some other people who are indulging in 
pleasure cars also.” 

“Who is that?” 

“Well, Blakely has one, a fine little car he calls a 
‘runabout.’ ” 

“He never said anything about it. Then he 
brought one over for John, and another for the Pro- 
fessor, but you must keep quiet; they are not to know 
anything about it. ’ ’ 

“Then there are two more machines down there 
that have queer names on them, because the fellows 

199 


200 TKEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


themselves are peculiar, and are awfully civilized,’’ 
said Sutoto, with a faint attempt at a smile. 

Harry laid down the wrench and turned to Sutoto. 
^‘What are the names!” he asked, for the first time 
interested. 

‘‘On one it says ‘Mayfield,’ and ‘Crandall’ on the 
other.” And Sutoto said this without cracking a 
smile, or indicating that he really ^knew who the 
names applied to. 

Probably, no one on the island, at least among the 
natives, really knew the hoys by any other designa- 
tion than George and Harry. The surnames were 
of no use. Sutoto was simply “Sutoto,” and no 
more, and so with Uraso and ^furo. 

The Professor and the old Chief heard the hilarity, 
and were soon out of the house, and although the 
hoys and Sutoto tried to push the machine behind 
the garage, they were too late for the Professor’s 
quick eye. 

He laughed when he saw the commotion. “ It is all 
right; if I were not so old, I would get one my- 
self. ’ ’ 

“That’s just the time you need it,” said Harry. 
“By the way,” he continued, “I will bring it around 
to your place this afternoon. ’ ’ 

“Bring what!” asked the Professor. 

“Your car; of course.” And Sutoto and the boys 
laughed at the Professor’s discomfiture. 

“I thought there was some job about to be put 
up on me. I wondered why Blakely tried to keep 
me out of the warehouse yesterday.’- 

But while this merry scene was taking place, five 
new machines were coming along B Street, with 


THE SAVAGES AT UNITY 


201 


Blakely in the first one, and a competent chanffenr in 
each of the others. 

‘‘The first is yonrs, Harry, .and the next one, with 
the red body is yonrs, George,’^ said Blakely. “I 
thought we should surprise you.’’ 

“Why, there is John, too!” exclaimed Sutoto. 

“Yes; he is in his car; he was greatly surprised. 
But the Professor’s car is a neat one; don’t you 
think so?” 

The hoys had no ears for any one or for anything. 
Each was a forty-horse power roadster, while the 
Professor’s car had a five-passenger body, was hand- 
somely upholstered, and equipped with particularly 
easy-riding springs. John’s machine was equally 
well built, and after the boys had made a full exami- 
nation of their own treasures, they investigated the 
other cars, and marveled at their beauty and ap- 
pearance of comfort. 

The procession of the machines naturally attracted 
the people who came from all directions to witness 
the wonder w^agons which ran by themselves. They 
crowded around, and listened to every comment. 
The old Chief was the one most excited at the strange 
things. 

Neither Sutoto nor Cinda had informed them of 
the autos, because it was intended to have quite a 
surprise party, and it was afterwards learned that 
Blakely and Sutoto had planned to give all of them a 
surjDrise. The fact that the Professor and the boys, 
having gone to Sutoto that morning, were absent 
from their homes, precipitated to disclosure, so that 
John was found and together they went to Sutoto ’s 
house. 


202 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


You may be sure that it did not take the boys long 
to learn the mysteries of the machines, and they 
were with Sutoto, until he got the hang of the motor, 
and could spin along as fast as any of them. 

The old Chief was finally induced to get into the 
Professor’s machine, and the latter instructed the 
driver to proceed slowly. Minda, who was with 
them, was the braver of the two, by far. The speed 
was about six miles an hour, at which the Chief mar- 
veled. 

Then, gradually, the driver speeded up, until they 
were making a comfortable speed of fifteen miles 
an hour. As confidence increased the pleasure grew 
stronger, and before they returned on the first trip 
he was as determined as could be to have one for his 
own use. 

Blakely took note of his wish, and said: “I shall 
see to it that on the return trip one of the machines 
will be shipped to you, but it will be two weeks be- 
fore the Wonder comes in.” 

From that day on Sutoto had his hands full en- 
tertaining the Chief, but the boys relieved him of 
much of this, by taking him from place to place, 
where he saw the work going on in all parts of the 
beautiful country, and witnessed the planting of the 
groves, the gathering of the crops, and the way in 
which the produce was handled at the wharf. 

Sutoto ’s home was a beautiful structure of five 
rooms, all nicely furnished, the gift of the Profes- 
sor. The boys enjoyed the visits there. Sutoto was 
always a boy to them, and Cinda a happy bride, — 
and a woman of whom any one might be proud. 


THE SAVAGES AT UNITY 


203 


Wlien Beralsea, her father, decided that his chil- 
dren must remain and attend the schools there, the 
adjoining cottage was prepared for them, and Minda 
consented to stay, hut Beralsea, who had now par- 
taken of the commercial instincts, under the tutelage 
of Blakely, was determined to return at once and 
revolutionize the condition of affairs in Venture 
Island. 

That day he and Ta Babeda had a long conversa- 
tion, and together they visited John and Ephraim, 
and then called in Blakely. The boys were present, 
of course, and it then turned out that they had agreed 
upon a plan to start the agricultural work in the two 
islands conjointly, and the only question which re- 
mained was to take care of the management of the 
work. 

Both of the Chiefs declared that they did not pos- 
sess the qualifications to direct the work, and Eph- 
raim pleaded age as the reason why it would be im- 
possible to undertake the burdens. 

‘ ^ I have an idea, ’ ’ he said, ‘ ‘ that the best solution 
would be to make George and Harry the managers 
for the islands. I have been with the boys for some 
time, and see what they are capable of, and every 
one would be glad to work under them. ’ ’ 

The boys were, of course, somewhat confused at 
the encomium, and the Professor came to their res- 
cue. These are my boys,’’ he said. ‘H have 
known them ever since they came to the island. 
They have been with me under every condition of 
service. We have had hours and days of pleasure, 
and of trials, such as few have undergone, and al- 


120 


204 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


ways, whatever the circumstances, they have been 
manly, and never gave up, although sometimes things 
seemed hopeless. 

‘‘You have seen how, through their ingenuity, they 
have built the water wheel, the mills and the fac- 
tories. Fortune has been kind to them ; they do not 
need the money that may come to them, as they have 
found riches here, far greater than you know, hut 
they have loved the work, for the pleasure it has 
brought them, and it is for them to decide.’’ 

‘ ‘ Harry and I have talked about these things many 
times,” answered George. “When we first came to 
the island, we had nothing. For our own preserva- 
tion we set about to better our condition, began to 
build the things necessary to maintain life, and to 
protect ourselves. 

“What at first was a necessity, later became a 
pleasure, because we could see, day after day, how 
we built the shop and the machinery out of the crude 
things ; it would be hard to leave that work now. ’ ’ 

Harry approvingly nodded his head, as he re- 
sponded: “I consider it a pleasure to do anything 
which would help the people here. George and I feel 
that it would be wrong to leave them, so long as we 
can be of service to them. 

‘ ‘ The money we have will not make us happy ; that 
I know, unless we can use it to do some good. And 
it is so with our time, also. I am as willing to give 
that as money, because we have been amply rewarded 
and now our duty is to the people here.” 

As a result of the conference it was agreed that 
George and Harry should take up the management of 
the affairs on Venture and Eescue Islands, they to 


THE SAVAGES AT UNITY 


205 


decide which should be the particular sphere of each. 

The Chiefs were immensely pleased at this ar- 
rangement, and the first steps were taken to put their 
plans into execution. 

John advised them that they should decide which 
island each would take, and then each should culti- 
vate the acquaintance of the young men that the 
Chiefs should select, so that the administrative func- 
tions could be instilled into them, and that they might 
be taught the business qualifications necessary. 

George laughingly remarked that as the Chief 
Beralsea had so accommodatingly captured him, 
when they first arrived on the island, he thought that 
their intimate acquaintance, which was so long prior 
to Harry’s should decide the matter in his favor, by 
taking Venture Island. 

‘ ^ That suits me all right. I have one advantage 
over you on Eescue Island; and that is the caves. 
You haven’t even an excuse for a cave.” 

^ ^ But I have Hutoton, that terrible place where the 
criminals live,” retorted George, with a laugh. 

^‘And that reminds me; what about the copper 
box?” 

The boys wended their way to the Professor, and 
were delighted to find John there. ‘‘Before we go 
we want to have the copper box opened,” remarked 
Harry. 

“I have just brought it around, in the machine,” 
said John, as he noticed the boys peering at it 
through the window. 

“What is that in the package lying on the box?” 

“Can’t you guess?” 

“No.” 


206 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘^Have you forgotten the skull with the inscription 
on it ? ’ ’ 

‘^Do you mean the skull we found on the headland 
at the eastern end of the island?^’ 

^^Yes.^' 

‘^Why, what is that for? Do you think it has any- 
thing to do with the box?^’ 

‘^Probably not; but I was curious to examine it 
further in view of the similarity of the chart and the 
inscription. ’ ’ 

The hoys could not possibly understand what was 
meant by such a reference. While they were talk- 
ing the Professor entered the room, and remarked, 
have just come from the old fellow, and his rea- 
son is returning under the treatment, and he is also 
better physically.^’ 

‘‘Do you mean the paralytic?” 

“Yes; but there is one thing which is singular, 
and that is the constant muttering of the word tri- 
angle, This morning I could plainly distinguish 
several other words, such as ‘of’ and ‘three,’ and 
‘very well,’ and parts of other words, showing that 
in time, if his improvement continues, we may get 
more information.” 

“I have an idea,” hurriedly shouted George as he 
broke for the door. “Wait for me,” he said, as he 
turned around and cast a glance back into the room. 
“I will be back at once,” were the last words they 
heard. 

John laughed at George’s precipitous flight. “I 
suppose he has just thought of something that bears 
on the case. In the meantime, and while George is 


THE SAVAGES AT UNITY 207 

^way, you, Harry, might get a hammer and a cold 
chisel. We may have to cut the top off.’’ 

Harry rushed out and taking John’s machine was 
quickly at the shop, where he secured a hammer and 
several cold chisels capable of cutting the copper. 

When he returned George was there, and was un- 
folding the paper scrap which they found below the 
skull. Probably, this will explain the triangle,” 
said George, as he pointed to the V-shaped mark. 
‘ ^ The upper part of it is very likely worn away, so 
that we cannot see it. ’ ’ 

John smiled at the suggestion as he took the paper 
and carefully examined it. ^ Wour view may be cor- 
rect,” he responded. 

‘‘That looks like a suggestion of a line,” said 
Harry, pointing to a faint scratch near the upper 
margin. 

The Professor’s messenger came in hurriedly, and 
announced that the paralytic had sent for him. “I 
will return by the time the box is opened,” said the 
Professor, as he hurriedly went out of the door. 

“Now for the box,” said Harry. The slitting 
chisel was applied, and he dextrously cut along the 
top, under the directions of John. 

“Direct the chisel downwardly, to see if there is 
any seam to be found along the side,” directed John. 

“Yes ; here is the place where the top was put on,” 
shouted Harry. 

“Why, it has been soldered,” said George. 
“Well, that means business.” 

It was evident that the soldering was effectively 
done, because the solder had run entirely through the 


208 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


seam, and it was really sweated on. The copper 
used was about an eighth of an inch thick, and the 
soft and ductile character showed that it was pure 
metal. 

‘‘Be very careful as you get around so as not to 
disturb the contents, by the falling of the lid, ^ ’ said 
John. 

It still adhered at various places, and this was 
carefully cut away by one of the thin chisels, and the 
lid finally raised at one comer, sufficiently to disclose 
a portion of the contents, which appeared to be round 
and white, and resting near the center of the space. 

All caught a glimpse of it, and involuntarily 
started back in surprise. It was a skull, the counter- 
part of the one lying on the table which contained 
the inscription. 

“Open it wide,’’ said John in a peculiar voice, and 
as he did so the Professor rushed in and announced 
that the paralytic had recovered speech, and he had 
ordered him to be brought in. 

While the Professor was saying this, John was 
slowly raising the lid, and by a quick motion tore it 
away, and the Professor was actually taken aback 
at the sight before him. He gazed for a moment, 
and then muttered: “And the same inscription 
too!” 

All looked toward it in amazement, and while puz- 
zling over its meaning, the paralytic was helped in 
by two attendants. He came forward, saw the two 
skulls, and before either could prevent it he collapsed 
and fell to the floor, apparently lifeless. 

He was gathered up and placed on a couch, and 
restoratives applied by the Professor. He lay thus 


THE SAVAGES AT UNITY 


209 


in a stupor for more than a half hour, hut soon re- 
turning consciousness began to manifest itself, and 
when he opened his eyes, and glanced about, his lips 
began to move. Here the Professor held up a warn- 
ing hand, which he seemed to heed, for he immedi- 
ately closed his eyes, and was soon asleep, as his 
breathing became regular, and the pulse began to act 
normally. 

There must be no more agitation now,^’ said the 
Professor. ‘^We can take the box to the adjoining 
room.’’ This was done, and John carefully lifted 
the skull from its resting place, bringing with it a 
mass of other material, which looked like brown or 
discolored parchment. 

The skulls were placed side by side. They were 
singularly alike, the inscription of the one found on 
the headland, was on the left side, and the like fig- 
ures of the one taken from the box were on the right 
side. 

^^That is a singular thing,” said Harry. 

^‘So it is,” answered John, ‘^but it doubtless has 
a meaning,” he continued. 

Beneath the box, and attached to the wrappings, 
was a mass of material which John eagerly seized, 
and began to unwrap, while the Professor interest- 
edly looked on. There was not the first sign of any 
treasure in the box, and when the several folds of the 
parchment were unrolled, the boys could see the 
hieroglyphics that the Professor and John so eagerly 
scanned. 

‘‘Yes, yes, I knew you would come back,” said the 
man in the adjoining room, and John dropped the 
parchment and followed the Professor into the room. 


210 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


where they saw the old man sitting on the conch and 
staring about with an inquiring countenance. 

‘‘What is your name?’’ said the Professor. 

He did not answer at first but looked at John and 
the Professor in amazement. 

“Why do you ask?” he then muttered, without 
changing his countenance. “I have told you over 
and over,” he continued. 

“Do you know where you are?” asked John. 

‘ ‘ Certainly. You may ask W alter about that. ’ ’ 

“Walter? Do you know Walter?” asked George, 
almost involuntarily. 

He smiled and nodded his head. “He is here. I 
saw him yesterday. I wish he would explain.” 
Then he dropped back on the couch and remained 
motionless. 

The effort to arouse him was useless, and the Pro- 
fessor advised patience. There was something so 
peculiar about the whole situation that it fascinated 
the boys. What did this man know about Walter? 
Possibly, through him the great mystery, that com- 
menced with the note in the seat of their boat, would 
be explained. 

After they came back to the island, Eetlaw rapidly 
recovered, and was frequently found wandering 
around the town. On several occasions he called on 
the Professor. To the surprise of all he appeared 
at this time, surprised to find John and the boys 
present, and appeared to be terribly startled on see- 
ing the two skulls. 

The moment he saw the paralytic, he became agi- 
tated, and started for the door. John barred the 
way, and said : “Do you know that man ? ’ ’ 


THE SAVAGES AT UNITY 


211 


In a hesitating voice, he answered : ‘ ‘ Yes ; I know 
him well. Where did you find himT’ and notwith- 
standing he saw the quiet figure he drew back with 
an expression of fear and hesitancy. 

George slyly drew forth the Walter note, referred 
to in the previous volume, ‘‘Adventures on Strange 
Islands,’’ and handed it to John. The latter seized 
it and said: “Did you ever see this?” 

He grasped the paper, and answered: “Where 
did you get this? Did he have it?” 

“No,” replied the Professor; “we found it in a 
recess at the end of a seat in our boat, — the one we 
made on this island, three years ago.” 

“I do not know how it could have gotten there. 
It was written to Clifford, — ” 

“John B. Clifford?” asked Harry in excitement. 

Eetlaw turned, when he heard Harry. “Yes,” 
was the hesitating answer. 

“Do you know Walter?” asked John. 

He did not reply, hut glanced at all of them, and 
while doing so Harry came forward, and said: 
“Isn’t your name Walter?” 

The man started hack and held up his hand: 
“What makes you think so?” he asked in alarm. 

“Because Retlaw reversed, spells Walter,” an- 
swered Harry. 

It was time for the Professor to show surprise 
at the acuteness of Harry’s conclusions. John took 
the cue at once. “Why are you trying to deceive 
us?” 

He dropped his eyes, and was silent, and then he 
slowly turned to the quiet man. 

John noticed the movement. “Who was the man 


212 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


tied to tlie vessel and wrecked on the island to the 
south of usT’ 

This question by John produced an added agita- 
tion in the deportment of the man. He was visibly 
affected by the question, but there was no reply. 

‘‘As you do not feel disposed to answer our ques- 
tions we must detain or keep you in custody until 
Clifford recovers,’’ said John, and motioning to the 
boys, they gathered around him, and called in the 
attendants and ordered the men to take charge of 
him. 

As they were about to pass out the door, Ephraim 
ascended the steps and was about to pass into the 
open door. He caught sight of the curious group, 
and when his eye alighted on the figure on the couch, 
he drew back for a moment, while his gaze remained 
fixed. 

Then he calmly moved forward, slowly shaking 
his head from side to side, and muttered: “That 
looks like Clifford, my companion on the ship, and 
the one who aided me to gain a foothold on the spar. 
How did he come here?” 

“That is the man we found at Hutoton,” said 
John. “But do you know this man?” he asked, 
pointing to Walter. 

Ephraim turned, and scrutinized his face. “No, I 
have never seen him, to my knowledge.” 

Walter moved back with a sigh of relief, while 
John and the Professor looked at each other with 
puzzled expressions. 

‘ ‘ Then the man we found tied to the boat was not 
Clifford ! ’ ’ exclaimed George. 

John looked at Walter, and he saw him grow pale. 


THE SAVAGES AT UNITY 


213 


‘‘Who was the man,’’ he asked, in a threatening tone, 
as he approached Walter. The latter hesitated. 
“We are determined to ferret out this matter, and 
it will he to your advantage to tell us the whole 
story, for we shall find it out sooner or later.” 

“I must have time to think,” he answered, as he 
put his hands to his head, and turned to Clifford. 

“You may have until to-morrow, but in the mean- 
time, we shall see to it that you are kept within 
our sight,” responded John, as he motioned to the 
men to take him away. 

As he left the door Harry said: “Why do you 
suppose he wanted time!” 

John looked at Clifford for a moment, and an- 
swered: “Evidently, he had hopes that Clifford 
would not survive.” 


CHAPTER XVII 

UNRAVELING THE MYSTERIES 

At the suggestion of the Professor, Clifford was 
left in quiet, while John and the boys deferred their 
further attempts to explore the mysterious occur- 
rences that were looming up. 

They canvassed every phase of the situation, in the 
hope that some explanation might be offered. 
What could have been the relations of Walter and 
Clifford, and who was the man that met his death 
in the boat at Venture Island? 

Why had the sight of the copper box and the skulls 
so agitated Walter? The latter, apparently, knew 
of the missive, which was, evidently, written by him, 
but why did he not give an outright answer concern- 
ing it when John asked him point blank? 

It did not take the boys long to inform Sutoto of 
the development and the mystery concerning the 
two men. The old Chief, Beralsea, was taken over 
to see Walter, in order to identify him if possible, 
and then Harry suggested that Ta Babeda might 
know something of his early history, as Walter was 
found a prisoner at his village when John and the 
boys arrived there. 

Beralsea had never seen nor heard of him, and 
Ta Babeda gave the following account of his cap- 
ture: ‘‘About three years previously several men, 

214 


UNEAVELING THE MYSTEEIES 215 


of whom Walter was one, arrived at the island, on a 
small boat, something like the one carried by the 
Pioneer, and which was used at the landing.’’ 

(It should be stated that one of the boats, and 
probably, the one referred to, was the identical life- 
boat, No. 3, which the boys had fitted up for use on 
the Pioneer.) 

^ ^ This boat was kept by them at the inlet directly 
east of the cave where the Korinos were lodged. I 
did not know anything of this for some time, but the 
Korinos learned of the presence of the men, and my 
warriors were set to watch the men. A few days 
afterwards, another boat, much smaller, appeared 
with two men, but from all appearances they were a 
different party, and after they had a conference, it 
appeared as though there was trouble between the 
different parties. 

‘‘We were about to close in on them, when at the 
height of their quarrel, but they caught sight of us, 
and joined in resisting the attack against us. With 
the guns they had we were no match for them, so we 
had to retire to the village. 

‘ ‘ The next morning we learned that they had gone, 
and on searching the shore found something with 
marks on it, that had no meaning to us so it was de- 
stroyed. ’ ’ 

“Was it something like this!” asked Harry, hand- 
ing him a sketch. 

The Chief studied it for a few moments, and an- 
swered: “It seems to me it was like that. The 
marks were something like these,” and he pointed to 
the crosses. 

Harry had made the identical marking which were 


216 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


on the two skulls, which, it will be remembered, 
showed the characters + V, and below these three 
XXX, followed by a star. 

“I suspected as mnch,’^ said John. ‘‘They were, 
quite possibly, on the same quest. But where did 
they get the information T’ And he turned to the 
Professor for a possible explanation. 

The latter was now thoroughly interested. “Un- 
less Walter chooses to tell, the matter may not be 
solved, unless Clifford recovers, and even though 
he should regain his physical powers, the mind may 
have relapsed into its late condition.’^ 

By agreement John and the boys remained at the 
Professor’s home that night, awaiting symptoms of 
the patient’s disease, and during the night they re- 
counted over and over again the adventures they 
had undergone, and the experiences with the natives. 

They conversed about the new enterprise into 
which they were to embark, and the Professor con- 
gratulated them on the decision to remain and enter 
the commercial, or business field. “After all,” he 
said, “there is nothing which so broadens a man as 
to have an occupation, and give to that business the 
energies of his mind.” 

“Of course, there are many things that the na- 
•tives must learn, but they are so willing to work, 
that it is a pleasure to show them,” said Harry. 
“The best men we have had in the shops were the 
common natives, but there is one thing that has al- 
ways been troublesome, and that is to give them 
different names.” 

“That is just what I had in mind for some time,” 
added George. “It didn’t make much difference 


UNEAVELINO THE MYSTEEIES 217 


where there were only a few, — a hundred or so, but 
now, when we have three hundred or more it is rather 
confusing to have a dozen or more Lolos, and as 
many more Walhes, and names like that.^^ 

‘Ht might be a good idea to suggest that each 
one have a sort of surname, so that there will be no 
difficulty of that kind hereafter,’’ suggested John. 

family name would be the proper thing,” 
added the Professor. 

^^For my part, I don’t see how people can get 
along without it,” remarked George. 

‘‘But it has not always been the custom to have 
surnames, or family names,” suggested the Profes- 
sor. 

“But the Eomans did,” exclaimed George. 

“Yes, they had three names : the first was the pre- 
nomen, which was a distinctive mark of the indi- 
vidual ; then the nomen, or the name of the clan ; and 
third, the cognomen, which was the family name. 
The first name was usually written with a capital 
letter only, like M. Thus, M. Tullius Cicero.” 

“Well, that is the first time it ever occurred to 
me that the Eomans parted their names in the mid- 
dle,” said George, as he smiled at the allusion. 

‘ ‘ The ancient Greeks, with the exception of a few 
of the leading families in Athens and Sparta, had 
only a single name. Among the German and Celtic 
nations each individual had only one name, and that 
was also true of the ancient Hebrews; the names 
Abraham, David, Aaron and the others were used 
singly, and this was also the case in Egypt, 
Syria and Persia, and throughout all of Western 
Asia.” 


218 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


it has never been so in England, has it?’’ 
asked Harry. 

‘^During the entire period that England was un- 
der the dominion of the Saxons, the single name was 
prevalent. But that was changed later when feu- 
dalism was established and the ditferent lords be- 
gan to gather their vassals, and to register them.” 

^‘But what is the principle on which the names are 
built?” 

^Hn various ways; at first they distinguished 
father and son by adding the word son to the 
father’s name. If he was of German descent sohn 
would be added; if of Danish origin, the word sen, 
so that the son’s name in either case would be Wil- 
liam^ow, or Andersohn, or Thorwaldset^, or a given 
name with the designation son added.” 

^‘But how about the many other names, and those 
coming after the second generation?” 

‘‘They had to be named after the locality, like 
John Brook, or David Hill, or something of that 
kind, even to an occupation, like the Smiths, or the 
Fishers, as well as qualifications, such as Wise and 
Good were adopted as surnames.” 

Every hour Clifford’s condition was noted, and 
before morning his pulse began to beat with greater 
regularity, and all felt that it would be well to take 
a nap, to prepare for what they knew must be an 
interesting, if not exciting chapter, to round out 
their adventures, and to lay bare the few mysteries 
which yet remained to be solved. 

Sutoto came to the Professor’s house quite early, 
with news from Blakely that Walter had disap- 
peared. He had learned of the imprisonment and 


UNEAVELING THE MYSTEEIES 219 


that Walter was placed in the regular lock-up, where 
a few recalcitrants were confined. 

How he escaped was not known. True, not much 
of a guard was maintained, and the natives had no 
idea that the prisoner was of more than ordinary im- 
portance. 

John was very much disappointed, but he felt that 
he alone was to blame, because in the anxiety for 
Clifford he had entirely overlooked the precaution 
necessary. He went down to the jail, with the boys, 
and learned from the inmates that when the man 
was brought in he appeared to be unconcerned, and 
immediately selected his sleeping quarters, and that 
was the last they knew of him. 

As the boys were going to their own rooms, a mes- 
senger came from the Professor that Clifford was 
awake, and appeared to be rational, and was now 
partaking of food. After breakfast they hurried 
over to the Professor, and found John there smiling, 
have had a little talk with him.^’ 

‘^What does he say?^’ 

‘H have not yet questioned him.^^ 

Clifford looked at the boys curiously. ‘‘Are you 
the boys that Mr. Varney spoke about 
“I. suppose we are,’’ said Harry. 

‘ ‘ His story interested me very much. I learn that 
you have a regular manufacturing town here, and 
that you built all these things without any outside 
help, before you communicated with the outside 
world.” 

“Yes; and we had a glorious time doing it, too, 
but we owe everything to the Professor and John.” 
‘ ‘ That is really commendable to hear you say so. 

127 


220 TEEASUKES OF THE ISLANDS 


But you said, Mr. Varney, that Walter told you Clif- 
ford limped, and it was on account of this peculiar- 
ity you were led to believe that the dead man on 
Venture Island was Clifford?’’ 

^^One of the three men with Walter, was lame.” 

‘^Tlien it must have been one of his party that was 
murdered ? ’ ’ 

‘‘But Walter was explicit to tell us that one of 
your legs was shorter than the other. I early 
learned that such was not the case, and that is what 
confused me in identifying you. But there is also 
another thing which I could not understand.” 

“What is that?” 

‘ ‘ Ephraim Wilmar. ’ ’ 

“Stop! stop!” almost shouted Clifford. “You 
said Ephraim Wilmar, Do you know him?” 

“Know him? He is here on the island.” 

“When did he come? Where is he?” 

“He lives on an island north of the place we 
found you, and is Chief of a tribe there.” 

“Chief of a tribe!” he exclaimed. “An island to 
the north, — the triangle /^ — and the hoys rose from 
their seats in the excitement. 

“Where is Walter’s letter? — Quick,” said Harry. 

George fumbled in his pockets with eagerness. 
“Is that the triangle?” eagerly questioned Harry. 

“Yes, yes; there it is again. The three islands, 
and the arrow. ’ ’ 

“But what does the star mean, — ^the star that fol- 
lows, as you see?” 

“That, — that is to show the position of the three 
islands.” 

“Position of the three islands? What islands? 


UNRAVELING THE MYSTERIES 221 


and how does it tell the positions?^’ George was 
fairly frantic now. 

‘‘There must be three islands, and one of them 
was the one I was on when you found me, and one is 
here, because Mr. Varney told me about this one, 
and then there is another, which you said was to 
the north of, — of — 

“Hutoton,” said John. 

“Yes; Hutoton. But the positions! Yes; you 
will understand! One point is the Southern Cross, 
near the South polar Circle, the second point is the 
fixed star Antares, and the third is the fixed star 
Spica, which, together form a perfect triangle, one 
limb of which passes through a cluster of stars 
called the Compasses.’’ 

“But what has that to do with the locations of the 
three islands?” 

“They are situated, with relation to each other, 
exactly the same as the three stars are placed in the 
heavens.” 

“What was the object of the three crosses before 
the star?” 

“The three represented thirty.” 

“Thirty what?” 

“Leagues.” 

“And the arrow?” 

“The direction from Spica.” 

“WTiy from Spica?” 

“Because that star is the one which represents the 
island on which this particular chart happens to be 
found.” 

“Do you mean that a similar chart will be found 
on each island?” 


222 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


‘‘No; on only two of them.’’ 

The boys were astounded at this information. 
John and the Professor remained quiet while the 
boys thus questioned Clitford. 

John interrupted to inquire why there were only 
two charts. 

‘ ‘ The record is found on the third. ’ ’ 

“So Wonder and Venture Islands are the only 
ones which have the inscriptions on the skulls?” 
asked Harry. 

Clitford sat up with such a sudden start that the 
boys were alarmed. He leaned forward, and hur- 
riedly asked the following questions: “You say, 
‘Inscriptions on the skulls?’ How do you know? 
and why do you say that they are on Wonder and 
V enture Islands ? ’ ’ 

“Because we have two of them.” 

He dropped back on the pillow, and reflected for 
some time, and then slowly said : ‘ ‘ But there must 
be three. One of them is still with the records. ’ ’ 

“No; we have the one with the records.” 

A smile illuminated his features, the tension was 
relaxed, and he dropped back, and pressed his hands 
over his forehead, as he muttered: “I am so glad, 
so glad, so glad,” and his voice died down, and he 
remained quiet, as though in sleep. 

The questioners sat there in silence, and watched 
him as he slept. The Professor motioned them to 
withdraw, and they passed into the adjoining room. 

“It is clear to me now,” remarked John. “The 
knowledge of the record was known to others, and 
I was not aware that any one besides ourselves 


UNEAVELING THE MYSTEEIES 223 


really had fignred out the secret/’ remarked John, 
as he turned to the Professor. 

‘‘Well, I came pretty close to it,” exclaimed 
Harry. “I told you that the three X’s meant thirty 
leagues. ’ ’ 

“So you did,” said John. “Prior to the finding 
of the skull I did not know of the full inscription. 
Its significance did not come to me until we reached 
V enture Island. ’ ’ 

“I remember now! I told George that I saw the 
chart you had made.” 

John smiled. “It would have deceived you, how- 
ever. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Why ? ’ ’ asked Harry. 

“Because, if you remember it the third island was 
to the south of Venture, and not to the north as we 
really found it.” 


CHAPTER XVIII 

THE STORY OF THE LETTERED SKTJLL 

It was late that afternoon when Clifford awoke, 
and plainly ranch refreshed, and improved physi- 
cally. When he saw the Professor he said: ‘‘I 
have not told you all, but I want the boys here for 
that purpose, because I know it will interest them. ’ ’ 

When the boys arrived they awaited the coming of 
John, who informed them that Uraso had received 
word of the capture of Walter, but that he would not 
arrive until noon. 

Clifford greeted them effusively, and it was evi- 
dent that he had recovered his spirits, and was well 
on the road to recovery. After some general talk 
on uninteresting topics, he began his story: 

was on the vessel with Ephraim when we ran 
into the monsoon which wrecked the vessel. After 
days of suffering I became unconscious, and when 
the spar finally reached the shore, I was aroused 
sufficiently to save myself, and after wandering 
around for some time, came up to a tribe of natives, 
who took good care of me. 

had no means of determining the latitude or 
longitude, because I was then only about twenty 
years of age, and had shipped on the vessel at 
Shanghai, because I was anxious to return home. I 
remained with the people about three years, and 
they were called Osagas.’’ 

224 


STORY OF THE LETTERED SKULL 225 


this town is built in the Osagas’ terri- 
tory/’ said Harry. 

‘^That may be so, but it is enough for the present 
to know that it was somewhere on this island that I 
reached the shore, and that about three years there- 
after I was fortunate enough to catch sight of a sail- 
ing vessel, and on her I reached San Francisco. 

‘ ‘ In course of time I built up a profitable shipping 
business, and owned several vessels engaged in the 
coast and Alaska trade. Like all shipping men on 
the western coast, I learned of the many accounts, 
most of them fables, concerning the treasures on the 
islands in the South Seas, but they never had any 
effect on me until about three years ago, I had a 
hand in furnishing the outfit for a vessel which de- 
parted on such a mission, that sailed some time in 
December or January, of that year.” 

‘^Do you know the name of the vessel?” asked 
John. 

‘A"es; the Juan Ferde, Why do you ask?” 

sailed in that vessel with Blakely, one of the 
owners. ’ ’ 

‘‘Blakely? Blakely, did you say? Why he is the 
man who purchased all the provisions from me.” 

‘ ‘ He is here on the island, and now has charge of 
all the business matters connected with our ven- 
ture. ’ ’ 

“Well, that is remarkable, indeed; but I must pro- 
ceed. Four months after the Juan Ferde sailed, I 
came into contact with a peculiar character, who had 
been all over the southern part of the universe, and 
he finally interested me sufficiently to look over some 
peculiar documents which he had, bearing on the 


226 TEEASURES OF THE ISLANDS 


subject of the lost treasures, and from the informa- 
tion which he gave, it occurred to me that the loca- 
tion could not be far from the island where I was 
cast ashore. 

^ AVith a good business, and entirely free from all 
family entanglements, I made up my mind that I 
would accompany him, and finance the undertaking. 
What induced me more than anything else, was the 
fact that the stories he told corresponded so nearly 
with the information which Blakely gave me, al- 
though the latter did not go into many details, that 
I looked on the venture in the nature of a lark. Be- 
sides I wanted to meet my old friends on the is- 
land, and possibly induce them to gather the products 
of the island for me. 

‘AYe sailed about five months after the Juan 
Ferde left, and had a quick run to the island where 
it was supposed I had been left years before. It 
seems that at the time I landed there the tribe was 
at war, and we had a terrible time to get away from 
the people, who, of course, did not remember me, 
even though the tribe was the same, but of this I had 
no absolute knowledge at the time. 

^ ‘ Two months after reaching the island, we sailed 
to the south, in order to explore the second island, 
noted on the chart, and it was then that the return- 
ing monsoon, which usually blows in the opposite 
direction from the one of six months before, wrecked 
the vessel, and the next day one of my companions 
and myself, who were so far as I then knew, the only 
survivors, reached the southern shore of an island, 
where we saw high mountains, so unlike those in the 
island where I was shipwrecked years before.’’ 


STOEY OF THE LETTEEED SKULL 227 


While I think of it,^’ remarked John, ^^how did 
you know about the second island, to which you re- 
fer T’ 

learned this from Walter.” 

‘^Then did you know anything about the skull on 
the headland, and the note which Walter left?” 

knew about the skull, but never heard of the 
note to which you refer. The discovery of the skull 
was an accident, and I attached no importance to it 
at the time. From the southern portion of the is- 
land we journeyed along the eastern coast, to the 
north, skirting a large forest on the way.” 

The boys looked at each other, significantly, but 
he did not notice this. 

^‘Then we reached a large river, and to our sur- 
prise, found a boat, evidently of native manufacture, 
and with this floated down the stream to the sea. ^ ’ 

‘‘But where did you get the rope that we found in 
the boat?” asked George, eagerly. 

He turned, and answered: “How did you know 
we put any rope on the boat ? ’ ’ 

“Because that was the boat we made, and we 
found it afterwards, with the strange rope and 
oars.” 

“Strange oars. I know nothing about them. We 
used the oars found in the boat.” 

“Did you get the boat near a large falls?” 

“Yes.” 

“And on the north side of the river?” 

“Yes; but after we reached the sea, it was too 
rough, and the wind was blowing too heavily from 
the north to make it safe to navigate in that direc- 
tion, so we went south, probably ten miles, and drew 


228 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


ashore. The next morning when I awoke the boat 
and my companion were missing. 

^^Who was yonr companion?’^ 

Walter.’^ 

John looked indignant, and expressed his opinion 
very forcibly, but Clifford held up his hand, restrain- 
ingly. ^^Do not be too harsh. I have no ill will 
toward him. I did not know what to do, nor which 
way to turn, but went to the west, and before night, 
came, unexpectedly, on the remains of a fire, which 
led me to believe that I would find friends in the in- 
habitants. 

went on and on, and caught up with the band, 
and was then horrified to find that they were having 
a feast, and sacrificing human beings. I saw Walter 
among the captives, but I could not contrive to let 
him know of my presence, and left the place as hur- 
riedly as I could. 

‘ ^ After a month of struggling I reached the south- 
ern part of the island, and there, to my joy, found 
three of my companions on a life boat, belonging to 
a vessel called the Investigator, and together we 
made a course southeast, and there found the loca- 
tion of the second skull. ^ ^ 

‘‘But you knew nothing of that at the time, did 
you 1 ’ ^ 

“I did not know what the marks on the skull were 
for, but the finding of the second one was sufficient 
to revive in me the hope that, after all, the treasure 
might be found. One of the men, who was the inti- 
mate of Walter, figured out the course to be taken, 
and we reached the island to the north the second 
day. 


STOEY OF THE LETTEEED SKULL 229 

‘‘There, to our surprise, we found Walter, and he 
charged one of the men with me, with trying to se- 
cure the treasure, but I finally patched up the mat- 
ter, and we agreed to work in concert. Then, when 
the next day, we found that Walter had lost the 
chart, we felt that it was a trick on his part to de- 
ceive us, and we separated. At that time I did not 
believe he told us the truth. 

“Two days afterwards we passed a party of na- 
tives, who were not aware of our presence, and then 
we saw that Walter, and the man with him, had been 
captured, and later believed that they had been 
killed. We searched the island, to find the cave, but 
were unsuccessful and thinking that an error might 
have been made, we concluded to sail for the island 
to the south. 

“We found a tribe of natives when we landed, and 
owing to the exposure and the trials we had gone 
through I was taken ill, and grew worse and worse, 
and from that time on to the time I recovered two 
days ago, I had not the slightest idea of what 
passed.’^ 

“When I spoke against Walter a few moments 
ago,’^ said John, “you said he was not to blame. 
What did you mean by that?’’ 

“During my wanderings, I found parts of the 
chart, which, I assumed, had been lost by John, and, 
probably, destroyed by the natives. The part I re- 
covered was of no value to me, but it entirely 
changed my opinion of Walter.” 

But Clifford’s story left something to be told. It 
did not explain why Walter tried to avoid meeting 
Clifford ; or why he was so startled upon seeing the 


230 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


two skulls, or the reason for avoiding the reference 
to the letter to which his name was signed. 

The hoys were so intensely interested in his story 
that they did not notice the entrance of Blakely, who 
had brought Walter back, but when Clifford saw 
Blakely there was immediate recognition. 

Clifford held out his hand to Walter, as he said: 
did wrong in doubting you. I understand from 
the statement made by Ta Baheda, that they found 
the chart the next day, after we met them, and that, 
of course, clears you. ’ ^ 

‘^But I would like to know,^^ said Harry, ‘‘what 
the other part of the inscription on the skulls 
means r’ 

‘ ‘ Do you refer to the sign of plus and the YV^ 

“Yes.’’ 

“When you went into the cave, where you found 
the copper box, how many chambers did you pass 
before coming to the large room!” 

“I am not sure,” he answered, “hut I think four.” 

“Yes; and the case was found in the fifth cham- 
ber. The Plus sign indicated the cross-shaped cave, 
did it not!” 

“Yes, and there are several other things which 
interest me,” remarked George, gazing at John, as 
he continued: “AYhy should the inscriptions have 
been marked on the skulls!” 

John slowly shook his head, as he looked at Clif- 
ford. The latter gazed vacantly into space, as 
though refiecting, and finally said: “I do not 
know.” 

It will he remembered that when Walter entered 
the Professor’s room, where Clifford was lying, he 


STOEY OF THE LETTEEED SKULL 231 


appeared to be startled at tbe sight of the skulls. 
The copper box which held one of them was in the 
adjoining room. 

During the foregoing conversation Walter was 
mute, nor did he appear interested in the question 
propounded by George. 

‘Ht seems most curious to me that the skull taken 
from the copper box has the inscription on the right 
side, whereas the other one has them on the left 
side,” observed Harry. 

John and George saw the immediate change in 
Walter ^s face while Harry was speaking. His agi- 
tation was now plain to all, and the perspiration be- 
gan to appear on his forehead. 

John leaned forward as he said: ^^Do you 
know ? ’ ’ 

Walter started at the vehemence of the question, 
and threw back his head, as he answered: ‘‘Did 
you find the copper box ? ’ ’ 

“Yes,” responded John, with a look of triumph. 

Walter’s features relaxed, and he seemed to sink 
down, as he gazed about him with a final look of de- 
spair. 

“Then the quest is ended!” he muttered. 

“What do you mean? Explain!” demanded 
John. 

‘ ‘ When I began the search for the treasure of the 
caves, I was the owner of the original document writ- 
ten by Juan Guiterez before he died in the Spanish 
prison. Three attempts had been made to find the 
island, which contained the secret, and that secret 
was in the copper box which told of the places and 
the locations of the other caves. In each case the 


232 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


quest failed, and all perished. The peculiar signifi- 
cance arises from the fact that the only directions 
were given on a human skull by Guiterez himself, 
who declared that two of the skulls would have the 
inscriptions on the left side, while the one with the 
cryptic signs on the right side would be accompanied 
by the descriptions of the locations of all the Caves 
on the different islands. ’ ’ 

‘^But why should there be three skulls asked 
George, in great eagerness. 

‘‘There were three attempts, each resulting in 
death. The skull is emblematic of death.’’ 

“Will you tell us why you tried to avoid Clifford, 
and were startled at the sight of the skulls f ’ ’ asked 
John. 

‘ ‘ If, as you say, you have found the copper box, I 
have no further reason to remain silent. I found 
one of the skulls, — the others I could not find, one 
of which I knew must be in the treasure cave. If I 
had known you found the one in the cave I should 
not have tried to get away, as I hoped, finally, to 
find the cave. Since coming here I learned that you 
had found the third island ; I knew of only two, and 
supposed that the two skulls were from those two, 
namely. Wonder and Venture Islands.” 

“But who placed the skulls there?” queried 
Harry. 

“AL! No one knows that. The Spaniard Gui- 
terez offers no explanation. All the so-called 
treasure charts have been made from the accounts 
which he gave, of the vast amount of gold and silver 
which is hidden in these natural caches. The place 
where the copper box was deposited is the grand 


STOEY OF THE LETTEKED SKULL 233 


mausoleum. Only those who know the secret could 
ever reach the vault. All others would perish. 

‘ ^ The carbonic gas ! ’ ^ exclaimed George. 

Walter turned to George, as he said this, but did 
not comprehend what he meant. It was now evident 
that Walter had tried to conceal his identity, and 
thereby hide the secret which would enable him 
alone to find the vast wealth. 

‘^So the letter which we found concealed in the 
seat of our boat, was written by one of your com- 
panions T’ asked Harry. 

^‘Yes.’’ 

‘‘This clears up the mysterious things which we 
have tried to fathom for over two years, said John. 
‘ ‘ The meaning of the letters is now clear. ’ ’ 

“From the time we landed on the island,” re- 
joined the Professor, “we found evidences of white 
people that we could not follow up, and it is now 
plain that they were in search for the treasure, so 
we can now comprehend what the notes meant. ’ ’ 

There is but little more to add to the chapter per- 
taining to the experiences of the boys on the islands. 
Perhaps, at some time in the future, their work on 
the new islands will be told. What John and the 
boys found in the Copper box, the historical sketches 
and the locations of the treasure islands which were 
pointed out on the parchments found in the compart- 
ment below the skull, were amazing revelations of 
the days of piratical adventures, when the southern 
half of the world was one vast carnival of crime, in 
which gold was the only booty and to obtain which 
the means were always considered to be justified 
by the end. 


234 TEEASUEES OF THE ISLANDS 


Our young friends, during their experiences in 
southern waters, did their part in bringing to the un- 
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the great boon of peace. To themselves they 
brought a store of hard-earned knowledge and a 
memory of things well done that will last them to 
the end of their days. 


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